World’s Largest Utility Deploys RealWear Voice-Controlled Hands-Free Wearable Computer

(DISTRIBUTECH 2019)-RealWear, Inc. today announced that State
Grid, the world’s largest utility, selected RealWear as its supplier of
hands-free computers for its line workers and electrical engineers to
improve safety and productivity.

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RealWear further advances its leadership in industrial (IIoT) wearable market with its best-selling hands-free computing. (Photo: Business Wire)

State Grid said it chose RealWear HMT-1 over AR smart glasses or other
headsets for its unique purpose-built, safety-conscious form factor,
including a 100% hands-free user experience.

“For decades, knowledge transfer via heads-up display systems has
increased situational awareness and saved lives in the military.
RealWear brings those increases in safety and situational awareness to
industry,” said Andy Lowery, Cofounder and CEO of RealWear.

Lowery continued: “This is why the HMT-1 is the preferred wearable
choice for hazardous environments like the utility sector. Having the
support of your team right there with you when handling dangerous
procedures can help mitigate accidents while speeding maintenance
procedures. We’re proud to see the HMT-1 help keep the lights on safely
for 1.1 billion energy consumers.” [Editor Note: More images available here
and video]

State Grid completed a successful comprehensive pilot in Shanghai, one
of the largest cities in China. The goal, with 200 RealWear HMT-1
computers deployed in the field, was to provide real-time remote
assistance safely to workers for live-line maintenance without the use
of workers' hands. Hands-free computing is critical to workers as
insulated gloves cannot operate touch screens and also will occupy hands
required for the work.

At a minimum, the work procedure is a three-person operation, requiring
two workers in the bucket of the crane, the second worker holding
tightly onto an insulated rope tied to the first worker working with his
or her gloved hands, the third worker on the ground in a special
insulated cabin watching the procedure on a mobile device, and even a
fourth worker or more viewing remotely via laptop as though through the
eyes of the first worker. The HMT-1 computer has a high-resolution video
camera that the worker operates by voice, even in extremely loud
environments due to its sophisticated noise-cancelling technology.

RealWear HMT-1 Tested Suitability of Device for High Voltage Use Case

RealWear, through a certified third-party testing agency, previously
performed arc-flash testing of the HMT-1 to determine suitability for
electrical generation, transmission, construction and maintenance
industries. The agency tested the HMT-1 in its lab, following the ASTM
F2621-12, the standard practice for determining response characteristics
and design integrity of arc-rated finished products in an electric arc
exposure. The testing system standard is used in more than 140 countries
and involves exposing the HMT-1 to an open air arc at 8 kA, with a
varied duration to attain a target energy exposure level (20-25
cal/cm²). That target level is a severe event that an electrical worker
could be exposed to during routine work in the field. Arc Test video
available here.

About RealWear

RealWear® is a knowledge transfer company providing in-situ information
and in-the-field training with software and hardware to help people
improve safety and increase productivity at work. The company’s flagship
product is the HMT-1®, the first ruggedized head-mounted wearable
Android-class tablet computer that frees a worker’s hands for dangerous
jobs. The hands-free monocular HMT-1 is purpose-built for Connected
Worker programs in the industrial enterprise, safely controlled with
your voice, even in noisy environments. With a growing number of
hands-free partner solutions, enterprise customers gain instant
knowledge with remote mentor, document navigation, industrial IoT
visualization and digital workflow solutions. Global leaders in energy,
manufacturing and automotive industries trust the HMT-1 and HMT-1Z1 to
empower and connect their global workforce.

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