PLYMOUTH, Mich. - Volunteers at the Ford Motor factory in Plymouth, Michigan have been wearing watches that buzz when they get too close to each other.

 

The Samsung watch runs software from tech firm Radiant RFID, which uses Bluetooth shortwave technology to detect proximity. If workers come within six feet of each other, they are alerted with a vibration.

 

"In near real-time, workers receive a vibration and a color-coded warning on the watch to let them know when they are closer than six feet to another person," writes Bloomberg. "Supervisors also receive alerts and reports that can be used to monitor social distancing and clustering in the workplace, according to Radiant."

 

The watches aren't the only measure being taken by the automaker, which could resume auto production next month, reports Bloomberg. Workers will be subjected to a thermal-imaging scan upon arrival for fever detection. They also will be required to complete a daily online survey regarding their health.

 

The factory hasn't been making cars for around six weeks now, instead producing ventilators and respirators for hospitals.