RealWear to launch new IS headset12 October 2023

RealWear Intrinsically Safe headset

RealWear is to launch its next-generation Intrinsically Safe (IS) headset to help improve safety in industries such as oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and mining.

The RealWear Navigator Z1 frees a worker’s hands to make operations smarter and more efficient.

RealWear Navigator Z1 is certified for use in areas where nearly all electronics are prohibited due to the potential risk of explosion or combustion. It can be used on oil and gas production areas, processing mills, chemical facilities and mines.

RealWear co-founder Dr. Chris Parkinson said: “With the launch of RealWear Navigator Z1, we’re offering the smartest and lightest IS wearable with integrated battery available to frontline workers who work in some of the most challenging sites on earth. These workers are often still outfitted, frankly, with ineffective or old equipment. In addition to the extensive range of upgrades of our latest headset, we’re especially keen to introduce AI Core and 5G IS connectivity to create a new frontier of smart, connected wearable solutions for frontline workers.”

RealWear Navigator Z1 is designed for use cases that include equipment troubleshooting via remote expert guidance, virtual training. Its new capabilities, when used with purpose-built software, enable hands-free solutions for:

  • Remote expert guidance and training. Remote experts can conduct in-the-moment maintenance and repair, potentially reducing costly travel and downtime using popular apps like Microsoft Teams and Zoom
  • Field services management (FSM). Using voice commands, workers can connect to FSM enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) systems such as hands-free solutions from RealWear and OverIT to handle work orders safely, and conduct asset maintenance at reduced operational costs
  • Equipment and Site Inspection Rounds. Inspectors can traverse safely around a job site, take photos and dictate notes using the field data collection component of an Inspection Data Management System (IDMS) such as hands-free solutions from RealWear and HUVR. From there, the captured data is instantly uploaded and geocoded for integrity verification, auditing and compliance purposes. The solution is said to save time and money, while enhancing safety and enabling further automation,3D digital twins and AI.

  • The RealWear Navigator Z1 has more than 20 technical improvements over prior devices, including:

  • The introduction of RealWear’s new AI Core, a processor that is especially designed for on-device enhanced AI experiences
  • Improved screen visibility with HD 720p display
  • High resolution front-facing camera (48 MP) for better remote collaboration and low-light image capture for inspections and auditing
  • Improved connectivity with faster Wi-Fi 6 and an optional 5G IS solution for private and secure enterprise connectivity;
  • A thermal camera module to spot invisible issues before they become critical
  • As part of the solution, with RealWear’s RealWear Cloud web portal, device administrators can add approved apps to the headset, adjust a variety of settings, and remotely connect to the headset to offer remote device troubleshooting.

    RealWear Navigator Z1 is available for pre-orders through authorised resellers.

    To take advantage of the Qualcomm 6490 chipset, RealWear has begun to offer early access of the new headset to its global developer community. RealWear customers can expect both new hands-free solutions as well as enhancements to existing solutions.

    Jeff Henckels, director of XR product management at Qualcomm Technologies, said: “The Qualcomm 6490 is a perfect fit for RealWear’s next generation headsets as it enables powerful connections and reduced latency, an advanced ISP and advanced Edge-AI computing to deliver astonishing performance at lower power.”

    The headset will launch with certifications for ATEX Zone 1, CSA C1/D1 and IECEx.

    Ben Spencer

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