Introducing the next generation of ladders – The Little Giant + Otto Signal™ Smart Ladder
Introducing the next generation of ladders – The Little Giant + Otto Signal™ Smart Ladder
At Otto, we’re revolutionizing worksite safety by bringing proactive, real-time alert technology to working at height. We apply the same principles behind technologies like lane change assist and backup sensors, helping empower workers to identify risks and take corrective action before accidents occur.
During the manufacturing process, Otto’s patented OttoSmart™ technology is integrated into equipment used for working at height. With several products in development, our first solution to market is a modified, multifunctional A-frame ladder integrated with OttoSmart™ technology.
The Smart Ladder™ System integrates advanced sensors, real-time analytics, and intuitive interfaces to help prevent accidents before they occur. The system consists of 3 parts that work seamlessly together to help modify and improve adder behavior.
Guides workers through comprehensive digital ladder inspections via mobile devices, provides digital storage, and enables future retrieval of reports.
A secure, cloud-based platform delivering actionable insights and leading safety indicators via subscription plans.
When the ladder detects potentially unsafe behavior, it emits an audible warning to allow users to self-correct their positioning. This results in continuous behavior modification.
Trends and patterns are identified in the Data Analytics Portal. The data can highlight undesirable behavior trends, allowing managers, supervisors, and safety personnel to customize safety talks, pre-task planning, and task-specific guidance and corrections before usage.
The four feet and first step of the ladder all contain special sensors capable of monitoring user activity on the ladder. The sensors measure weight distribution, height, movement, lean angles, and much more.
The sensors transmit ladder usage data to the “brain” housed in the top cap. The “brain” consists of a circuit board with storage, advanced measurement technologies, and a central processing unit (CPU). The CPU processes the data and sends it to the cloud and ultimately into the Otto data portal for storage, queries, and analysis.
The ladder is equipped with WiFi and Bluetooth, and we will soon offer cellular connectivity.
Supervisors, safety managers, or other designated personnel can opt into receiving SMS alerts when the ladder detects a potential fall.
When the sensors detect usage, the system is immediately ready to go. After periods of inactivity, the ladder enters sleep mode but awakens immediately upon detecting activity.
Otto’s cloud-based infrastructure is hosted by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and is designed for secure, encrypted data transit and storage. Integral data security and privacy are built into every aspect of Otto’s Cloud Data Portal.
Sensors in the feet of the ladder detect the following events. If one of these behaviors is detected, the ladder provides an audible warning to allow the user to self-correct their positioning.
The following is a special case that results in more aggressive audible tone:
The following are informational events measured and available to view in the Otto Data Portal. These events do not have audible tones associated:
ProSteps are wider steps designed to increase balance and reduce fatigue. These steps are like a mini platform installed along the working height of the ladder. The first step is a normal width, and the difference serves to alert the user that the ground is the next step when descending the ladder. This is particularly useful in cases where a worker is holding something in one hand and cannot look down.
Each foot is equipped with rubber grips for increased stability and traction.
The ladder is OSHA-compliant for use in a locked, leaning state with a top cap designed to lean securely against walls, interior/exterior corners, posts and studs. A clip locks the back rails to the front during leaning use. When finished with use in leaning mode, the clip can be released with one hand to set the ladder up in A-frame mode.
The top of the ladder is slightly peaked to deter sitting or stepping.
The back of the ladder features a panel to deter climbing.
Indicators on the ladder guide workers to optimal carry point to avoid back strain.
The ladder is constructed with thicker, reinforced fiberglass and anodized, heavy-duty aluminum, and the sensors are encased in aircraft grade 7075 aluminum.
Our commitment to innovation is reinforced by extensive patent protection across the globe. We have obtained multiple patents covering the OttoSmart™ technologies that power the Smart Ladder™ System. We are also actively developing additional patents and new patent families to support future product form factors, expanded safety features, and advanced sensing capabilities. As our technology offerings evolve, we anticipate additional patent filings to protect and scale our innovations globally.
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