Wyld mesh networking harnesses the power of peoples’ mobile devices by connecting smartphones directly to other smartphones and IoT devices without the need for cellular 4G/5G or WiFi. Combined with Wyld’s Fusion platform, the company can create infrastructure-lite wireless networks with real-time, location-aware content delivery and analytics. Data simply finds the quickest and easiest route by hopping between phones.

Social distancing monitoring can be implemented by creating personal one or two metre dynamic geozones around staff and visitors. This provides an accurate picture of how social distancing is being practiced, allowing for better planning of site layouts and workflow schedules. Subject to corporate policy and privacy, employers would also have the ability to quickly alert others who have been in close contact with anyone tested positive for COVID-19.

Furthermore, the system can create virtual geozones around complete sites, factory buildings and depots as well as more physically dangerous or restricted areas. Anyone approaching a physical zone can be sent a message instantly to let them know if they are able to enter and provide guidance or regulations that relate to that particular area. 

“Our mesh technology was originally designed for applications such as major sporting events, music festivals, retail centres and transport hubs to share personalised, location-aware information,” said Alastair Williamson, CEO of Wyld Networks, a portfolio company of Tern plc. “But it quickly became clear that it could also play a vital role in manufacturing by providing a low-cost integrated smart phone and IoT communications network with the ability to manage social distancing.” 

A mesh network can be deployed more quickly and cost-efficiently than traditional models - even in remote areas or underground industrial environments. If one device leaves the network, it does not cause a break as traffic is routed through multiple paths in a mesh.