key facts

Models:

OpenComm Series, OpenRun, OpenRun Pro

Industry:

Construction

Number of Units Introduced:

4100+
Why choose us
Open-Ear Design for On-Site Safety
Open-Ear Design for On-Site Safety

The challenge

Staying connected via phone communication is esstential on construction sites, but traditional headsets that block the ears create a dangerous sensory barrier in active work zones.

The Solution

Shokz Bone Conduction Technology keeps the ear canal completely free. Workers can take critical calls while remaining fully tuned in to the sirens, machinery, and ambient sounds that help keep them safe.

Hands-Free Communication for Greater Mobility
Hands-Free Communication for Greater Mobility

The challenge

Juggling a smartphone while trying to review blueprints or climb scaffolding isn't just inefficient—it’s a safety risk.

The Solution

By going hands-free, Obayashi teams can move naturally. Whether they are cross-referencing digital drawings on an iPad or operating heavy machinery, they stay connected to headquarters without ever losing the use of their hands.

Clear Communication in Noisy Construction Sites
Clear Communication in Noisy Construction Sites

The challenge

Construction sites are noisy, making it difficult to hear a standard phone call on a busy construction site.

The Solution

Bone Conduction Technology sends audio directly to the inner ear, bypassing the noise. Workers hear calls clearly and communicate effectively, no matter how loud the heavy machinery gets around them.

Kimihiro Kobayashi

Kimihiro Kobayashi

Deputy Director General of Akasaka 2 & 6-chome District B Construction Office, Tokyo Main Office, Obayashi Corporation

“We wanted a solution that would allow hands-free calls without blocking the ears, which led us to consider introducing bone conduction headsets. Since the deployment was expected to reach several thousand units, we carefully evaluated the available options, testing eight bone conduction headsets on the market—and even considering developing our own. In the end, Shokz stood out for its advantages in cost, wearing comfort, and communication stability.”
Kenji Tsukamoto

Kenji Tsukamoto

Construction Section Chief of Akasaka 2 & 6-chome District B Construction Office, Tokyo Main Office, Obayashi Corporation

"There's no need to hold a phone to my ear, so both hands remain free, which is extremely convenient. When a call comes in, I can simply press the button next to the ear to answer. I often wear the headset for 3 to 4 hours a day, and the lightweight design with a flexible titanium band allows me to wear it comfortably for long periods. ”
Yuta Furuya

Yuta Furuya

Site Supervisor of Akasaka 2 & 6-chome District B Construction Office, Tokyo Main Office, Obayashi Corporation

"The sound quality is good, so we can talk without worrying about surrounding noise. It allows conversations to proceed without difficulty and makes communication smoother. I also use the headset for video conferences during desk work, since my hands can remain free and I will be able to review documents on the computer or take notes during meetings."

Background

Established in 1892, Obayashi Corporation is a global construction leader. Beyond large-scale domestic and international builds, they drive regional and urban development alongside a diverse range of construction-linked enterprises.


On-site, Obayashi teams rely on smartphones for HQ check-ins, while video conferencing on iPads and laptops has become the new standard. But in high-stakes environments where safety is everything, traditional earbuds just don't cut it. They needed a headset that could deliver crisp audio without tuning out the world or letting heavy background noise drown out the conversation.


To bridge this gap, Obayashi turned to Shokz. Our bone conduction headsets keep communication crystal clear and ears completely open, ensuring every worker stays connected and fully aware of their surroundings.

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Usage Scenarios 

Obayashi uses Shokz to keep crews safely connected and aware in even the loudest construction environments, enabling seamless communication between on-site teams and headquarters, supporting hands-free calls while moving around the site, facilitating remote collaboration when reviewing documents on iPads or laptops, and allowing workers to join office video conferences and daily meetings without disruption.

Future Prospects

Obayashi is already making Shokz standard issue across their sites, and we expect that footprint to keep growing.


But we aren't just handing over headsets and walking away. We are using their real-world feedback to shape our next generation of gear. By listening to the crews doing the heavy lifting, we are building tech that actually works for pros in the toughest environments.


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