Shell selects intrinsically safe HMT-1Z1 hands-free headworn computer to expand Digital Transformation
HANNOVER – APRIL 2, 2019 – RealWear, the industrial hands-free knowledge transfer platform for frontline workers, today announced that Shell has selected RealWear’s hands-free head-mounted RealWear HMT-1Z1™ platform to support in the digital transformation of its operations. The devices are being deployed through Honeywell in 12 countries including US, China, Russia, India, Germany and Austria and 24 operational sites.
“A new era of computing has arrived. Just as laptops and mobile phones are standard for desk workers, voice command and augmented reality for wearable computers will become commonplace for field staff in our industry, driving safety and productivity.”
Michael Kaldenbach, Digital Realities Lead, Shell
The RealWear HMT-1Z1 is an intrinsically safe voice-controlled device with a micro-display that shows an image to a user as if they were viewing a seven-inch screen. The head-mounted computer is the world’s first commercially available device that permits field workers in highly restricted ATEX Zone 1 C1/D1 zones to use a wearable device where potentially explosive gases are present, helping to reduce health and safety work hazards.
Shell is currently using the HMT-1Z1 for remote assistance. For instance, if equipment needs maintenance, a worker can get real-time assistance via a video call, allowing an expert to essentially see through the eyes of the onsite worker and offer over-the-shoulder assistance. In one example, an expert uses Augmented Reality to remotely “draw” on the worker’s screen which is visualized on the head mounted screen.