Samsung is testing a new AI-powered heat safety feature for the Galaxy Watch that could help protect outdoor workers and others exposed to extreme temperatures. The feature uses real-time health and environmental data to detect heat-related risks and recommend when users should take a break before serious health problems occur.
As heatwaves continue to affect many countries throughout 2026, this new technology highlights how wearable devices are evolving beyond fitness tracking to become important health and workplace safety tools.
Although the feature is currently limited to a pilot program in South Korea, it could eventually become available on future Galaxy Watch models for consumers worldwide.
Galaxy Watch Uses AI to Detect Heat Risk
Samsung developed the feature in partnership with South Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor to help reduce heat-related illnesses among employees working in demanding environments.
The system is currently being tested at Samsung’s semiconductor manufacturing facility in Pyeongtaek, where workers wear Galaxy Watches during their shifts.
Unlike traditional temperature alerts, the new system combines multiple data sources to calculate each worker’s personal heat risk.
The Galaxy Watch analyzes:
- Heart rate
- Physical activity levels
- Body response during work
- Workplace temperature
- Humidity levels
Using artificial intelligence, the watch predicts when a worker may be at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stress before symptoms become severe.
Real-Time Alerts Help Prevent Heat-Related Illness
When the system detects increased heat risk, it sends notifications directly to the employee’s Galaxy Watch.
These alerts may recommend:
- Taking a rest break
- Slowing work intensity
- Drinking water
- Exercising extra caution in high temperatures
At the same time, anonymous workplace data is displayed on a real-time management dashboard, allowing supervisors to monitor overall heat conditions and respond quickly if multiple workers are exposed to dangerous temperatures.
This combination of wearable technology and workplace monitoring could significantly improve employee safety during extreme weather.
Developed With Medical and Government Experts
Samsung didn’t develop the feature alone.
The company worked alongside several organizations, including:
- South Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor
- Incheon National University
- Samsung Seoul Hospital’s Data Science Research Institute
Researchers used official workplace heat safety guidelines to build the prediction algorithm, while medical experts clinically verified the system before workplace deployment.
This collaborative approach increases confidence that the alerts are based on scientific research rather than simple temperature readings.
Why This Feature Matters
Extreme heat has become one of the biggest workplace safety concerns in many parts of the world.
Construction workers, factory employees, delivery drivers, farmers, emergency responders, and outdoor maintenance crews often spend long hours in high temperatures, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
By combining biometric information with environmental conditions, the Galaxy Watch can provide personalized recommendations instead of relying on generic weather warnings.
This could help prevent serious health emergencies before they happen.
Could Consumers Get This Feature?
For now, Samsung says the heat safety tool is only available as part of its workplace pilot program in South Korea.
However, the technology demonstrates the growing role of smartwatches in preventive healthcare.
Samsung has steadily expanded Galaxy Watch health features (Galaxy Watch heat safety feature) over the past few years, adding sleep tracking, heart rhythm monitoring, body composition analysis, blood pressure monitoring (in supported regions), and AI-powered wellness insights.
If the workplace trial proves successful, Samsung could eventually introduce a consumer version through a future Samsung Health or Galaxy Watch software update.
Galaxy Watch Continues to Expand Health Features
The new heat safety system joins a growing list of advanced health tools available on Samsung wearables.
Recent Galaxy Watch features include:
- Heart rate monitoring
- ECG support (where available)
- Sleep coaching
- Body composition analysis
- Blood oxygen monitoring
- Stress tracking
- AI-powered health insights
- Fitness and workout tracking
Adding heat risk detection would further strengthen the Galaxy Watch’s position as one of the most comprehensive health-focused smartwatches available.
Final Thoughts
Samsung’s AI-powered heat safety feature shows how wearable technology can move beyond counting steps and tracking workouts to provide meaningful health protection in everyday life.
While the feature is currently limited to workers at Samsung’s Pyeongtaek semiconductor facility, its ability to combine biometric data with environmental conditions could eventually benefit millions of Galaxy Watch users around the world.
As extreme heat events become more common, smart features like personalized heat risk detection may soon become just as important as heart rate monitoring or sleep tracking. If Samsung expands this technology to consumers, the Galaxy Watch could become an even more valuable companion for outdoor workers, athletes, travelers, and anyone spending time in hot weather.
