Smart Helmets to Boost Workplace Safety
Russian developers have taken a strategic leap in the evolution of the country’s IoT ecosystem. Their new system of smart helmets has already demonstrated impressive results, cutting workplace accidents, reducing risks, and optimizing construction logistics.
Maturity of Russian Technologies
The Russian company Proteqta, part of the Softline Group, has successfully implemented an IoT-based industrial safety system at the Monblan residential complex construction site, developed by Hals-Development.
This milestone highlights the maturity of Russian safety technologies and their competitiveness at the global level.
Launched in early 2025, the project took less than six months from design to full integration into workflows. At its core is Proteqta’s proprietary development: the Atom 4.0 smart helmet, equipped with motion sensors, GPS/GLONASS, a gyroscope, accelerometer, a LoRaWAN module capable of transmitting data up to 15 kilometers without Wi-Fi or cellular networks, and a built-in SOS alert system.
The helmets are integrated with Proteqta Safety, a cloud platform that monitors workers’ locations in real time, detects falls, unauthorized entry into hazardous areas, prolonged exposure to risks, and safety violations.
At the Monblan site, a dedicated LoRaWAN network with 12 base stations was deployed, covering the entire 15-hectare area. The system operates autonomously, independent of external telecom providers, ensuring stable data transmission even in dense construction and metallic structures.
Within the first three months of operation, the system achieved remarkable results: workplace accidents decreased by 78% compared to the same period last year. Response times to incidents dropped from 15–20 minutes to under two minutes. Automation of labor safety monitoring reached 90%—from working hours tracking to PPE compliance checks. Administrative workload in the safety department was reduced by 40% through automated reporting and alerts.
In addition, precise monitoring of crews and equipment optimized site logistics, cutting downtime and increasing productivity by 12%.
From Hardware to Software
The Softline Group is an investment and technology holding with over 30 years of experience, operating in Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the UAE. It consolidates IT companies into clusters, helping them access capital markets and growth financing, while offering synergy through its extensive client base.
The company employs more than 11,000 professionals, over half of whom are engineers and developers, and serves over 100,000 clients across industries. Softline is among the fastest-growing companies in the sector, with an average annual growth rate above 30%. In 2024, its turnover exceeded 120.6 billion rubles ($1.47 billion).
The Monblan project is more than just a local improvement in working conditions. It is a strategic step in developing Russia’s IoT ecosystem. In the context of import substitution and growing demand for localized solutions, Proteqta offers a fully domestic alternative to foreign systems—from hardware to software. This reduces dependence on foreign suppliers and builds competencies within the country, from electronics manufacturing to data analysis algorithm development.
Safety and Social Stability
Proteqta’s innovation carries major social significance: improving workplace safety directly reduces fatalities and injuries, thereby supporting social stability and family well-being. For developers, it minimizes financial risks by reducing delays from accidents or regulatory inspections. For the country, it creates momentum for scaling such solutions across industries.
Proteqta has already delivered projects in the mining industry—in the Kuzbass and Ural regions, where Atom 4.0 is used to monitor workers in underground shafts—and at thermal power plants, where it prevents unauthorized access to hazardous zones.
In 2024, Softline Digital launched a Proteqta-branded personnel positioning module for explosive environments. This device can be used in chemical and petrochemical plants to ensure both safety and efficiency.
Keeping Pace with Global Trends
Globally, IoT safety solutions are rapidly evolving in construction. In the U.S. and Europe, companies like SmartCap Technologies and Proxxi are deploying smart helmets and gloves with sensors that prevent electrocution or fatigue.
However, Proteqta’s Russian solution stands out with its full autonomy (LoRaWAN), low ownership cost, and ability to operate without existing infrastructure—critical for developing markets.
Within Russia, Hals-Development plans to scale Proteqta’s system across all its projects, covering about 3.9 million square meters by 2025. Other major developers are already showing interest.
Internationally, Proteqta is targeting CIS and Middle Eastern markets, where construction is booming and demand for safety technologies is rising. Successful mining projects also pave the way for expansion into Africa and Latin America.
Russian Developers Ready for Global Challenges
The deployment of Proteqta’s system at Monblan is not just a technological milestone but a cultural shift: moving from reactive incident response to proactive risk prevention. It marks the emergence of a “zero injury” culture in Russia, where safety is embedded as a technological standard.
In the coming years, demand for IoT safety systems is expected to grow in business and premium housing construction. For Hals-Development, the Proteqta project is both a success story and a market signal: Russian technologies are prepared to tackle global challenges, ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainable growth.
