The Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), in collaboration with the National Institute for Work Accident Insurance (INAIL), has developed the FSD-01 (Fall Safety Device 1) to improve the safety of construction workers when working at height.

The FSD-01 is a prototype wearable parachute drone that automatically activates when a person falls from a height to stop or slow their fall.

The device attaches to the user's back using shoulder, waist and leg straps. In the event of a fall, the device is automatically activated within one or two seconds: a quadrocopter with four propellers slides out of the backpack, which stabilizes and slows the fall, allowing the person to land safely on their feet. The whole structure weighs about 5 kg, and the maximum descent speed reaches 18 km/h.

The developers are also looking at using the FSD-01 to facilitate worker movement around the construction site, complementing existing safety protocols and reducing the risk of accidents when working at heights