Technology For Utility And Field Worker Efficiency By Michelle Connolly, Panasonic System Solutions Company of North America Whether it’s surveying, meter reading, asset tracking, or water quality testing and reporting, utility workers often work long hours in challenging environments where responsibilities shift daily. To operate as safely and efficiently as possible, technology is used to conduct remote visual inspections and pinpoint dangerous irregularities along distribution lines. While various forms of technology are used in the field, rugged mobile devices provide the interface for workers to see all information collected in one place so they can communicate with each other and make informed decisions. Field workers often operate in remote environments with accessibility challenges such as low light and moisture, requiring rugged technology that can withstand adverse conditions. As emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), wearables and drones are increasingly deployed to these workers, the role of rugged mobile devices will only become more crucial.