MeetKai's AI is partnering with Miami University to power a workforce development program aimed at reducing preventable workplace injuries across Ohio's manufacturing sector, with expansion to companies outside of Ohio planned by 2028.
Backed by a $1.5M grant from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation, the Safety Immersion and Gamified Hazard Training (SIGHT) initiative will deliver scalable, personalized hazard training using generative AI and immersive VR-accessible directly through a web browser.
Key features include:
- Real-time, adaptive simulations tailored to individual skill levels and worksite conditions
- Web-based access with no specialized equipment required
- Accessibility-first design, supporting multilingual users and individuals who are hard of hearing or low vision.
The program is anchored by Miami University's new Advanced Manufacturing Workforce and Innovation Hub, which opened in January 2026. The Hub serves as a hands-on, interdisciplinary space where students, faculty, and industry partners collaborate to apply MeetKai's AI-powered safety technologies in real manufacturing environments.
"This initiative marks a major leap forward in making high-impact safety training more accessible-particularly for small and mid-sized manufacturers that lack dedicated training infrastructure-while also advancing hands-on, real-world learning opportunities for students preparing to enter the modern industrial workforce," said a spokesperson.
"We are proud that our tools will play a part in making this training widely available, supporting Miami University's mission to bridge education, innovation, and workforce development," said Kevin Bresnahan, MeetKai's Vice President of Business Development. "This is an exciting example of how MeetKai's technology can help create practical solutions that have a direct impact on safety and job readiness in real-world industrial settings."
"This is a pivotal moment, not just for Miami, but for the future of Ohio's industrial safety and competitiveness," said Fadel Megahed, Professor of Information Systems and Analytics and one of the project's leaders. "This solution builds not only technical knowledge, but also hazard recognition instincts, which are vital in high-stakes environments."
For more information contact:
MeetKai
805-410-4352
www.meetkai.com
Miami University
Advanced Manufacturing Workforce
and Innovation Hub
101 Knightsbridge Drive
Hamilton, OH 45011
513-785-3000
amhub@miamioh.edu
www.miamioh.edu