Material handling equipment manufacturer Yale Materials Handling Corp. has developed a tag-to-tag sensing system for enforcing COVID-19-related social distancing requirements in the workplace.

The sensor embedded tags are worn on lanyards around the necks of workers in settings like warehouses and manufacturing facilities. When the tags come within 6 ft of each other, they issue a proximity alert that buzzes.

The system relies on ultra-wideband technology for the tag-to-tag sensing and does not require Wi-Fi, cellular network coverage or other infrastructure.

Additionally, a custom sequence is required to disable the sensors, thereby preventing employees from turning off the system themselves.

The technology is designed to keep employees safe in the workplace and to reduce the spread of the coronavirus among employees returning to work following COVID-19-related closures.