RealWear, Inc. - Experts & Thought Leaders

RealWear, Inc., the pioneer of hands-free wearable computers for frontline workers, announced the launch of its next-generation Intrinsically Safe (IS) headset, RealWear Navigator® Z1. Built for productivity and safety in industries such as oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and mining, the hands-free IS wearable solution frees a worker’s hands to make operations smarter, safer, and more efficient.  Industrial wearable solution Whether conducting an inspection round on a rig at sea or repairing mission-critical production equipment, RealWear Navigator Z1 is certified for use in areas where nearly all electronics are strictly prohibited due to the potential risk of explosion or combustion. The industrial wearable solution can be used on sites including oil and gas production areas, processing mills, chemical facilities, and mines. Smartest and lightest IS wearable We’re keen to introduce AI Core and 5G IS connectivity to create a new frontier of smart, connected wearable solutions" “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,” said Dr. Chris Parkinson, co-founder and CEO of RealWear. “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.”  Purpose-built to reduce downtime  According to a research study by Kimberlite, as noted in a GE perspective paper titled, 'The Impact of Digital on Unplanned Downtime, 'Just 3.65 downtime days per year can cost organizations $5.037 million each year.' 'Averaging just over 27 days of downtime each year, offshore oil and gas organizations experience $38 million in financial impacts from unplanned downtime.' Remote expert guidance and virtual training RealWear Navigator Z1 is specially designed for use cases that include equipment troubleshooting Workers racing to get equipment back online face an array of challenges, including extended work hours, high stress, adverse weather, and communication issues. RealWear Navigator Z1 is specially designed for use cases that include equipment troubleshooting via remote expert guidance, and virtual training, as well as for workers using field services management (FSM) or streamlined inspection data management systems (IDMS).  Navigator Z1 capabilities The new capabilities of RealWear Navigator Z1, when used with purpose-built software, enable optimized 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 just simple voice commands, workers can connect to FSM enterprise AI systems such as hands-free solutions from RealWear and OverIT to handle work orders safely and quickly, and conduct asset maintenance at reduced operational costs; and, Equipment and Site Inspection Rounds. Inspectors can traverse safely around a job site, take high-quality 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 saves time and money while enhancing safety and enabling further automation,3D digital twins, and AI.  Technical improvements The RealWear Navigator Z1 has more than 20 major technical improvements over prior devices including: The introduction of RealWear’s new AI Core, the most powerful processor ever in a RealWear device, specially designed for on-device enhanced AI experiences; Significantly lighter for added comfort, while maintaining its ruggedness and durability; 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; Wider temperature range for use in more climates and environments; Enhanced noise cancellation for improved voice-responsiveness and accuracy; 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; A removable integrated snag-free battery for enhanced safety and extended use; and,  Enterprise Secure Android 12.  RealWear Cloud web portal Device administrators can add approved apps to the headset, adjust a variety of settings, and even remotely connect As part of the solution, with RealWear’s enterprise-grade RealWear Cloud web portal, device administrators can add approved apps to the headset, adjust a variety of settings, and even remotely connect to the headset to offer remote device troubleshooting. RealWear Navigator Z1 is available for pre-orders through authorized resellers. RealWear has made more than 20 design improvements to enhance the user experience for these target industries and use cases. Intrinsically smart, enabling AI for frontline workers  To take full advantage of the powerful Qualcomm 6490 chipset, RealWear has begun to offer early access to the new headset to its global developer community. RealWear customers can expect both entirely new hands-free solutions as well as significant enhancements to existing solutions.  Qualcomm 6490 The headset will launch with certifications for ATEX Zone 1, CSA C1/D1, and IECEx, making it suitable “We’re thrilled that RealWear is utilizing the Qualcomm 6490 platform in RealWear Navigator Z1 that will help frontline workers in extremely hazardous zones where rugged equipment and safety are essential,” said Jeff Henckels, director of XR Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “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, making it suitable for a variety of markets including oil and gas, mining, pharmaceuticals, and flour and textile mills. “Free Your Hands” product introduction tour  RealWear will be offering product demonstrations and educational sessions in many locations around the world to customers and partners. RealWear 'Free Your Hands' Around the World Tour 2023  Sept 5-8 - SPE Offshore Europe, Aberdeen, UK Sept 13-15 - Oil and Gas Expo (OGA), Kuala Lampur, Malaysia  Sept 25-28 – Nexus, Dallas, TX, USA  Oct 2-5 – Adipec, Abu Dhabi, UAE Oct 16-18 - SPE ATCE, San Antonio, TX, USA  Oct 16-20 - GITEX Global, Dubai, UAE Oct 24-26 - Augmented Enterprise Summit (AES), Houston, TX, USA Oct 31-Nov 2 – IMARC, Sydney, Australia Nov 13-15 - The Connected Worker Chicago, Chicago, USA  Nov 27-28 - Automa O&G, Vösendorf, Austria Dec 4-6 - The Connected Worker Europe, Munich, Germany  RealWear has received strong industry support from Qualcomm, Ericsson, AMA, HINDSITE, HUVR, Intoware, NSW, OverIT, Pexip, PTC, Sygration, TeamViewer, and others.

RealWear, the pioneer of industrial extended reality (XR) wearables, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Chris Parkinson as RealWear’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). HMT-1® flagship headset Dr. Parkinson, Co-Founder, and former CTO of RealWear®, is the visionary mind behind the HMT-1® flagship headset that started the RealWear story in 2016. The HMT-1 was RealWear’s first industrial head-mounted tablet computer on the market and catapulted RealWear into the spotlight for delivering an Extended Reality (XR) solution that worked for frontline teams who required the use of both hands to do their work and whose operations demanded 100% equipment uptime.  Gesture-controlled user experience His specialty lies in developing hands-free computing built on high accuracy, noise-robust speech recognition Dr. Parkinson brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to his new role as CEO. As the primary inventor of the RealWear HMT-1 headset and the driving force behind its hands-free user experience, Dr. Parkinson has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the way frontline professionals interact with technology. His specialty lies in developing hands-free computing built on high accuracy, noise-robust speech recognition, and gesture-controlled user experiences. “Golden-i” series of head-mounted computers Before co-founding RealWear, Dr. Parkinson led the technology development of the groundbreaking “Golden-i” series of head-mounted computers, which laid the foundation for RealWear HMT-1 as well as the current flagship product. This transformative work for Kopin Corporation covered 9 years of research and development and resulted in more than 100 patents around head-worn computing and 5 generations of headset devices.  In 2015, he embarked on his entrepreneurial journey, forming the company that eventually became RealWear, to realize his ambitions of introducing ruggedized hands-free computing to the world. Dr. Parkinson's education Dr. Parkinson holds a Bachelor’s degree (with honors) in Chemistry from the University of Manchester, UK, and a Ph.D. in Computational Chemistry and Molecular, also from the University of Manchester.  Moving to the USA in 1996, he has remained a prominent figure in the Northwest, currently residing in the Tri-Cities area in Washington state. XR wearables and AI-driven solutions To empower frontline professionals with XR wearables and AI-driven solutions that enhance their productivity" In a statement regarding his new position, Dr. Parkinson said, “I am deeply honored and excited to have been appointed as the CEO of RealWear." He adds, "Our mission is clear: to empower frontline professionals with cutting-edge XR wearables and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions that enhance their productivity and overall work experience. It is essential to provide them with the same or even better level of technological support that has been enjoyed by knowledge workers for years.” Enhancing RealWear’s offerings Dr. Parkinson’s vision for RealWear centers around a commitment to delivering solutions, not just hardware, that effortlessly integrate into the everyday routines of frontline professionals in manufacturing, automotive, and healthcare. With an unwavering focus on company growth and innovation, he is determined to continue enhancing RealWear’s product offerings and expanding the company’s reach in various industries. AI and sustainability “Two of my biggest priorities will be incorporating AI and sustainability into everything that we do,” stated Dr. Parkinson, adding “We will do this through our engineering teams and through our many incredible partners who are participating in our growing App Marketplace.” Safer, efficient, and productive work environments Under Dr. Parkinson’s leadership, RealWear is poised to strengthen its position as an industry partner and deliver XR wearable solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of frontline professionals, promoting safer, more efficient, and more productive work environments. Dr. Parkinson succeeds Mr. Andrew Chrostowski, who has retired from his position. The board of directors expresses its heartfelt appreciation to Chrostowski for his exceptional leadership and dedication.

RealWear, the pioneer of assisted reality wearable solutions for frontline industrial professionals, has launched three new products to advance its drive to become the de facto productivity platform for frontline professionals and its partners. Products  The new products include:  RealWear App Marketplace  RealWear App Marketplace is the new destination to discover powerful applications for frontline professionals using RealWear devices. Customers can quickly discover purpose-built apps to enhance productivity and safety within their frontline while empowering central management with powerful tools to support frontline teams.  Benefits, testing, and verifications  Each app that is submitted undergoes thorough testing to ensure that it adheres to RealWear standards for UX Additionally, the Marketplace also benefits the developer community and partners who are looking to market their apps to the targeted RealWear customer. Each app that is submitted undergoes a thorough testing and verification process to ensure that it adheres to RealWear standards for UX.  Gold standard “As a RealWear software solution partner, we’re extremely excited about the continued evolution of the RealWear App Marketplace. RealWear continues to be the gold standard for industrial-strength wearables." "By hosting and featuring our apps directly on the marketplace, our customers will be able to discover our apps quickly and get onboard. This is good for our customers and good for our business," said José López Mancha, CEO, of Wideum.  RealWear Connect RealWear Connect (watch video) is a new RealWear app found exclusively within RealWear App Marketplace. The app makes getting help for frontline workers easier than ever. Central operations teams can then manage support requests more efficiently.  Notifications  The app triggers notifications within text or email, or in-app notifications in Teams or Zoom, connecting in seconds When a support call is initiated by the frontline team wearing the RealWear device, including RealWear Navigator® 520 or HMT-1Z1®, the app triggers notifications within text or email, or in-app notifications in Teams or Zoom, connecting a frontline professional to an expert in seconds. Once connected, the subject matter expert can see exactly what the frontline professional sees and guide the user through visual inspection via two-way communication, even in high-noise environments.  Subscription and availability  The software is available on the marketplace for use on RealWear devices with supported firmware and Teams or Zoom apps. The app subscription is available for purchase exclusively via authorized resellers.  Developer Toolkit  Developer Toolkit is a new feature for software developers inside RealWear Cloud. Developers can log into RealWear Cloud and access dedicated tools including Early Access firmware, uploaded apps, community boards, training materials, and code snippets. The toolkit will enrich developer capabilities, increase the breadth of solutions and strengthen the RealWear ecosystem.  RealWear Advances Its Platform Strategy  RealWear Connect, Developer Toolkit, and RealWear App Marketplace will be powered by RealWear Cloud In 2022, RealWear released RealWear Cloud, marking the company’s first major strategic shift from a hardware-centric company to a fully platform-centric business.  RealWear Connect, Developer Toolkit, and RealWear App Marketplace will be powered by and integrated with RealWear Cloud. Smart, easy-to-deploy, and flexible solutions  “We are thrilled to advance our vision of delivering a full productivity platform for frontline professionals together with our growing ecosystem,” said Rama Oruganti, Chief Product Officer, RealWear. “Whether you are an IT professional looking to manage and deploy devices, a frontline professional looking for remote support, or a developer partner in need of tools to better manage your offering, our platform provides productivity solutions that are smart, easy to deploy, and flexible.”