Spaceships, submarines and…office buildings? The next-generation sensor technology unlocking a better workplace experience

Spaceships, submarines and…office buildings? The next-generation sensor technology unlocking a better workplace experience

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What do spaceships, submarines and office buildings have in common? While it may sound like an unlikely trio, these environments share a common thread: using advanced sensor technology to enhance workplace experiences

Whether it's "hot bunking" sleeping set-ups or retractable solar panels, both spaceships and submarines are crafted to make the most of confined areas. Although these space-saving techniques may not translate directly to office settings, there are valuable insights to be gained about how sensor technology can improve workplace experiences - a growing focus for facilities managers, as indicated in a recent report from Verdantix

Notably, the report reveals that sustainability and occupant wellbeing are the most significant trends shaping corporate real estate strategies. While traditionally slow to digitise, the report also finds that real estate managers now see technology as key to improving workplace experiences.

Advanced sensor technology that monitors both occupancy and environmental conditions provides a clear solution for facilities managers seeking to unlock additional value when it comes to office optimisation and sustainable progress.  So, what can we learn from how submarines and spaceships use sensor technology? 

Agile spaces for a diverse workforce 

The use of sensors extends beyond mere space optimisation; it also allows for data-led decision-making and activity execution. For example, just like submarines require data about depth, direction and water temperature to achieve optimum positioning, offices can gather environmental data to monitor conditions like temperature, humidity and lighting to achieve optimal conditions for office-based employees. 

Through our partnership with Tether, customers can deploy these environmental sensors and equipped with the resulting data, facilities managers can adapt office spaces accordingly, suggesting what rooms would better suit certain activities and adapting others according to employee needs. For example, a shaded room on a bright afternoon to view that all-important on-screen client presentation or a cooler room for a well-attended all-hands meeting.

Many of our customers, for example, use environmental sensor data to create ‘active’ zones to indicate cooler or hotter areas of the office, so workers can choose the location that best suits their preferences. Ultimately, this creates agile spaces that truly respond to workers’ needs, in real time, and helps to elevate the workplace experience.

Cleaner air & improved concentration

Office managers are responsible for making the right adjustments to enhance and protect the health and safety of employees – just like a spaceship commander is responsible for the safety of their crew. 

Monitoring oxygen levels is of course critical for space crew, but studies show that air quality is also very important in office spaces. High levels of carbon dioxide for example, can impair concentration and productivity. Smart environmental sensors can detect these changes in real-time, allowing facilities managers to adjust ventilation systems and maintain optimal air quality.

Higher carbon dioxide levels also mean that the air is being shared with more people – which itself, increases the spread of airborne viruses such as flu and COVID-19. By continuously monitoring air quality, these sensors enable real-time adjustments to ventilation and air cleaning systems, effectively reducing the spread of infections and ensuring a healthier workplace for everyone.

Innovating for change

While spaceships and submarines operate in vastly different environments compared to office buildings, the principles of space optimisation, sustainability, wellbeing, and data-driven decision-making are universally applicable. 

By embracing these lessons and integrating advanced sensor technology, facilities managers can unlock a better workplace experience and create spaces that are both efficient and meet the needs of the employees.

Efficient use of space

In both spaceships and submarines, every inch is meticulously planned and designed to maximise space. In contrast, the average office-based workplace is only utilised to 35-50% of its potential. By implementing advanced occupancy sensors, facilities managers can make informed decisions about how to use office space better. 

When linked to a workplace experience platform - like RICOH Spaces – data from occupancy sensors is translated to real-time insights on space usage within a workspace. Through our new collaboration with PointGrab, our occupancy sensors monitor a wide range of activities - such as the number of people working, the opening of a laptop, or even simply leaving coats on the backs of chairs – to provide a full picture of space utilisation. 

Facilities managers can use such insights to identify underused areas and adapt spaces accordingly. For example, Evelyn Partners, a leading wealth management and professional services provider, equipped its office with over 130 IoT sensors which transmitted actual traffic and usage trends to RICOH Spaces. By using the platform, Evelyn Partners transformed its office layout and service provision to fully meet the needs of its employees.  

A group of people sitting in a room

Agile spaces for a diverse workforce 

The use of sensors extends beyond mere space optimisation; it also allows for data-led decision-making and activity execution. For example, just like submarines require data about depth, direction and water temperature to achieve optimum positioning, offices can gather environmental data to monitor conditions like temperature, humidity and lighting to achieve optimal conditions for office-based employees. 

Through our partnership with Tether, customers can deploy these environmental sensors and equipped with the resulting data, facilities managers can adapt office spaces accordingly, suggesting what rooms would better suit certain activities and adapting others according to employee needs. For example, a shaded room on a bright afternoon to view that all-important on-screen client presentation or a cooler room for a well-attended all-hands meeting.

Many of our customers, for example, use environmental sensor data to create ‘active’ zones to indicate cooler or hotter areas of the office, so workers can choose the location that best suits their preferences. Ultimately, this creates agile spaces that truly respond to workers’ needs, in real time, and helps to elevate the workplace experience.

Cleaner air & improved concentration

Office managers are responsible for making the right adjustments to enhance and protect the health and safety of employees – just like a spaceship commander is responsible for the safety of their crew. 

Monitoring oxygen levels is of course critical for space crew, but studies show that air quality is also very important in office spaces. High levels of carbon dioxide for example, can impair concentration and productivity. Smart environmental sensors can detect these changes in real-time, allowing facilities managers to adjust ventilation systems and maintain optimal air quality.

Higher carbon dioxide levels also mean that the air is being shared with more people – which itself, increases the spread of airborne viruses such as flu and COVID-19. By continuously monitoring air quality, these sensors enable real-time adjustments to ventilation and air cleaning systems, effectively reducing the spread of infections and ensuring a healthier workplace for everyone.

Innovating for change

While spaceships and submarines operate in vastly different environments compared to office buildings, the principles of space optimisation, sustainability, wellbeing, and data-driven decision-making are universally applicable. 

By embracing these lessons and integrating advanced sensor technology, facilities managers can unlock a better workplace experience and create spaces that are both efficient and meet the needs of the employees.

Nathan Thomas

Nathan Thomas

Head of Product, RDx

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