As warehouse operations evolve at a rapid pace, traditional health and safety signage is struggling to keep up.
With the rise of automation, robotics and ever-changing layouts, printed and painted signs are proving too rigid for today’s fast-moving environments. Projected signage, however, is emerging as the more adaptable, cost-effective and future-ready solution.
“Warehouses face unique challenges. On top of heavy machinery use and footfall, there are new automated processes, robotics and increased demand” explains Ian Spoors, Projected Image’s Managing Director.
“Traditional safety signage is less effective at keeping up with these changes, whether that’s changes in layout or space usage, or the introduction of technologies like robots. Projected signage can be updated and relocated with minimal disruption, making it a versatile alternative that not only adapts to changes but enhances safety and efficiency too.”
Unlike vinyl or painted floor markings, projected signage doesn’t fade, chip or wear away under constant traffic. Instead, it uses powerful LED gobo projectors and custom glass filters known as gobos to display vivid, high-visibility safety symbols and warnings onto floors or walls.
If layouts change or new hazards emerge, the projector can be repositioned and the gobo swapped for a new design. This flexibility eliminates costly repainting and reprinting while reducing business downtime – a major advantage in busy warehouses where efficiency is key.
Ready for robotics
Projected safety signage is also critical in the age of warehouse automation. Global warehouse robotics is forecast to reach $22.4 billion within the next decade, and as robots work more closely alongside people, clear and reliable safety communication is vital.
“Projected signage is easier for robots to read. It doesn’t change size, shape or colour, making it more visible to robots’ computer vision technology and algorithms. Robots can capture an image of the safety message, analyse it and then follow the instruction” says Ian.
Where traditional safety signs can be obscured by equipment or become unreadable in poor conditions, projected signage offers consistency and visibility even in challenging environments. It can also be integrated with automation – for example, a warning sign projects only when a robot is approaching. With Warehouse 5.0 on the horizon, ensuring humans and machines work safely alongside each other is increasingly important.
A virtual step forward
To make adoption easier, Projected Image have launched a virtual warehouse model – an interactive tool that allows decision-makers to explore projected signage in a simulated environment. Users can move through a digital warehouse, view signage under different conditions and toggle between designs.
By providing a practical way to visualise solutions before installation, the model helps managers plan more effectively, streamline risk assessments and see how projected signage will work in their facilities.
“This platform showcases our dedication to continuous improvement, leveraging new ideas and technology to solve real-world challenges and empower clients to make decisions” adds Ian.
Future-proof warehouse safety
Every warehouse is different, and Projected Image design and manufacture bespoke gobos to suit specific needs, from pedestrian crossings to forklift safety warnings.
This tailored approach is matched by long-term cost savings. Projected signage typically lasts up to 50,000 hours with minimal maintenance – a clear advantage over repainting or replacing traditional safety signs and floor markings.
For warehouses facing the challenges of automation, shifting workflows and high traffic, projected signage offers a safer, smarter and more adaptable alternative.
“Projected signage isn’t just a quick fix. We’ve seen that it’s a long-term solution that evolves with the space. As the industry continues to change, projected signage is essential to maintaining safety and efficiency” Ian concludes.
Choose the Projection Experts
With over 25 years of experience in the projection industry, we have a great understanding of what works and what gives the best gobo projection. At Projected Image, we’ve delivered projection solutions for a wide variety of environments. Our specialist team of projection experts don’t just sell projection and gobos, we work closely with you to understand your projection requirements, space and any challenges you may have.
Everything Under One Roof
Unlike other projected signage suppliers who outsource manufacturing, we make in-house in our offices in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.
Our facilities feature precision technology, using laser ablation. This state of the art technology means we can produce detailed designs for a variety of safety signage projectors. Our manufacturing experts put all of our gobos through rigorous testing to ensure every projection is crisp and clear.
By keeping our processes under one roof, we can ensure quality, consistency and fast lead times, our team will be there every step of the way. That’s why our gobos and projected signage solutions are trusted across the events industry, retail and warehousing environments.
HSE Compliant Safety Signage Solutions
In warehouse environments, health and safety is key. Employers have a responsibility to ensure that health and safety signage are clear and help to prevent accidents. Traditional safety markings such as painted zebra crossings and vinyl floor markings can degrade quickly with heavy use. Replacing these warehouse safety signs on a regular basis can be costly and lead to business downtime.
Our projected signage solutions are specifically designed to tackle these challenges with warehouse safety signage. Using durable, IP-rated gobo projectors, built for tough warehouse environments, we deliver reliable health and safety signage that is visible on almost any surface. Whether your forklift warning signs get torn up by day-to-day use, you require highly visible zebra crossing signs, or have PPE requirement signs that get missed by staff, projected signage is for you.
Not only are these projection solutions more durable than traditional safety signage (lasting up to five years), they also meet HSE regulations on safety signage and the required visibility. This means you can enhance visibility and meet regulatory requirements all whilst ensuring the safety of your team.
Site Visits and Expert Advice
Every business that requires projected signage is different, including what safety signage works in each warehouse space. That’s why we offer site visits for our projected signage solutions. Our projection experts can come to your site and assess the environment, lighting conditions, and the size of the required safety signs.
This ensures that we can recommend the most suitable gobo projector for your signage requirements, ensuring the projection is the correct size and is highly visible in your environment. Our studio team can also design custom gobos that incorporate your branding alongside safety markings.
Number One for Customer Service
At Projected Image, we care about customer satisfaction as much as product quality. From your first contact with us, to after you receive your gobos or projectors, our dedicated team of projection experts are here to provide support and advice on your project.
We also pride ourselves on our after-sales support, from troubleshooting to additional gobo orders, we are here to help no matter what. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is why our clients return to use repeatedly, trusting us to be their gobo and projected signage supplier.
More about Projected Image: projectedimage.com/
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