RealWear, Inc. - Experts & Thought Leaders

In a move set to reshape the industrial Augmented Reality (AR) market, RealWear, the global pioneer in wearable computing for industrial applications, today announced its acquisition of Almer Technologies, a Swiss pioneer in ultra-compact, user-friendly AR headsets. This acquisition, strategically and financially backed by TeamViewer, the leading provider of enterprise AR software, marks a significant leap forward in the mission to empower frontline workers worldwide with cutting-edge AR technology. Wearable AR devices As the industrial sector increasingly turns to digital solutions to enhance productivity and safety, the demand for intuitive, wearable AR devices has surged. This acquisition unites RealWear's market leadership with Almer's innovative approach to meet this demand. AR adoption "I'm extremely excited to welcome Almer and its founders, Timon Binder and Sebastian Beetschen to RealWear," said Dr. Chris Parkinson, CEO of RealWear. "Their successes in Europe are paralleled by a vision to drive AR adoption worldwide. This impact can now be brought to the global market as part of the RealWear ecosystem." Subscription-based hardware renting model "Almer's innovative subscription-based hardware renting model will enhance our existing portfolio to offer more flexible and scalable solutions for our partners and customers." "We have secured TeamViewer's renewed commitment and backing, strengthening our longstanding collaboration with the leading software company in the enterprise AR industry." Compact design Almer quickly gained recognition as a disruptive force in enterprise AR and set a new industry standard The acquisition brings together a powerful combination of strengths. RealWear's established market presence and rugged, voice-operated solutions are complemented by Almer's innovative, subscription-based AR headsets, known for their compact design and user-friendliness. With a relentless focus on execution and customer-centric solutions, Almer quickly gained recognition as a disruptive force in enterprise AR and set a new industry standard. Intuitive and effortless Sebastian Beetschen, CEO of Almer Technologies, added, "Almer's innovative approach for frontline workers has enabled us to deliver industrial AR solutions that are the most intuitive and most effortless to use." "We're excited to bring in our expertise and speed of execution to RealWear and push the boundaries of frontline worker solutions." Wearable technology TeamViewer has been a key partner and a strategic minority investor to RealWear and Almer before the acquisition TeamViewer has been a key partner and a strategic minority investor to both RealWear and Almer before the acquisition and will maintain this role moving forward. Global giants such as Coca-Cola HBC, Ford, Samsung SDS, and many more have experienced significant efficiency gains and cost reductions by leveraging the combined power of TeamViewer's software, RealWear's, and Almer's wearable technology. Integrating hardware and software Oliver Steil, CEO of TeamViewer, who has joined RealWear's Board of Directors, commented, "RealWear and Almer together unite the brightest minds in wearable computing to shape the future of the industry." "Investing in RealWear and supporting its growth is a strategic move for us and a stride into the future of industrial digital transformation. Our shared vision is to continue to integrate software and hardware innovatively, delivering world-class industrial productivity solutions for maximum customer value." Accessible and user-friendly As part of the acquisition, Almer's co-founders will join RealWear's executive team, creating a unified leadership focused on accelerating global AR adoption. Ultimately, this acquisition is set to make advanced technology more accessible and user-friendly for frontline workers across the globe. With this strategic acquisition and the continued backing of TeamViewer, RealWear is poised to lead the charge in the industrial wearables market. By blending software and hardware, the company aims to deliver world-class productivity solutions for maximum customer value. 

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 organisations $5.037 million each year.' 'Averaging just over 27 days of downtime each year, offshore oil and gas organisations 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 optimised 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 authorised 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 utilising 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 revolutionising 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 realise his ambitions of introducing ruggedised hands-free computing to the world. Dr. Parkinson's education Dr. Parkinson holds a Bachelor’s degree (with honours) 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 honoured 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 centres 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.