When Wi4B decided to develop its first physical device dedicated to protecting workers operating in high-risk environments, it partnered with 21AM to transform an advanced monitoring and data analysis technology into a tangible, reliable product capable of performing in the most demanding conditions.
The project began with an in-depth analysis of the operating environments and the needs of workers active in critical settings such as industrial facilities, workshops, and petrochemical plants. The objective was to design a wearable device able to guarantee maximum reliability, ease of use, and durability, even when operated with heavy protective gloves and exposed to chemicals, liquids, and harsh environmental conditions.
21AM developed the Man-Down as a compact belt-worn device designed to monitor worker movements, detect emergency situations, and activate the different communication levels required to manage alarms and critical events. Every aspect of the product was carefully defined to balance ergonomics, robustness, and perceived quality.
Beyond concept development, 21AM led the entire mechanical design and industrialization process, collaborating with a network of specialized suppliers to identify innovative manufacturing solutions suitable for low-volume production. Through the careful selection of materials, geometries, and production technologies alternative to traditional manufacturing processes, the team achieved high mechanical performance and resistance to chemicals and liquids, while maintaining costs and assembly logic aligned with the requirements of a highly specialized market.
The Man-Down project exemplifies 21AM's approach to innovation design: integrating field research, mechanical design, and industrialization to transform complex technologies into effective, reliable tools ready for real-world deployment.