RealWear has started shipping its Navigator Z1 smart glasses, which it describes as the ‘world’s most advanced’, intrinsically safe (IS) head-mounted wearable.
The RealWear Navigator Z1 runs on an Android 12 OS, allowing it to run a number of integrated workplace applications, including seamless access to immersive collaboration apps.
It has received ATEX and IECEx IS certification, which demonstrates its ability to be used in hazardous zones. This has made it particularly popular in the oil and gas industry through which it has already gained substantial pre-orders from over a dozen countries, with a large order coming from Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Chris Parkinson, RealWear’s Co-Founder and CEO, believes the Navigator Z1 will be a popular addition to the industry: “Worker safety and productivity must not be mutually exclusive.
“With so many consumer-grade gadgets being hyped to industry, we have delivered something truly modern and in high demand for critical work procedures. With certification, we’re able to fulfil our strong pre-order backlog.
“Navigator Z1 is laying the groundwork for an AI-enabled workforce in hazardous industries.”
RealWear lists the three major benefits of its Navigator Z1 as its high power and performance, compliance to industry standards, and its unique design.
According to RealWear, the Navigator Z1 represents the “pinnacles of [its] product innovation”, with an advanced Qualcomm SnapDragon 6490 chipset, which has a built-in AI engine. This lays the foundation for the company to achieve its goal of expanding its AI capabilities.
The Navigator Z1 is also compliant with ATEX/IECEx rigorous standards, which it obtained by undergoing a multitude of tests, such as thermal, electrical integrity, safety compliance, mechanical durability, and even explosion-proof testing, as well as procuring consultation services from the IS technology expert i.safe MOBILE.
These measures will help ensure the safety of frontline workers in areas that otherwise do not allow ordinary consumer devices to be used, including iPhones, tablets, and AR/VR headsets.
Finally, its unique design allows for new customisation possibilities, like adding an IS-certified thermal camera and swappable battery. The thermal camera by FLIR is scheduled to be released in March.
David Krebs, Executive Vice President of VDC, a market intelligence analyst that specialises in rugged design, commented: “As the global market for intrinsically safe devices continues to expand, the introduction of new and innovative IS devices is crucial.
“Balancing worker safety while providing workers with the necessary digital solutions to enhance workflow efficiency in hazardous environments is a growing requirement and what RealWear has achieved with Navigator Z1.”
The Navigator Z1 joins the Navigator 500 and 520 in its Navigator Series, which are designed for hands-free frontline work in less restricted work areas.
Customers can purchase the entire Navigator Series via RealWear’s global resealler network, with shipping for the Navigator Z1 already underway in the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, the UAE, and most of the Asia-Pacific region. Orders for North America, Canada, Japan, Mexico, and Latin America will be sent in March.
The Navigator 500, launched in 2021, was deployed by the NHS in October last year to increase surgical trainee engagement in an unprecedented procedural demonstration.
More recently, RealWear’s CEO introduced the Navigator Z1 headset at the Augmented Enterprise Summit (AES), which was first announced in September 2023, in which he also spoke about the benefits and rise of the assisted reality (AR) wearables market, describing it as a ‘bridge to the future’.
