Choosing the right wearable device for your workforce
In this world of digital transformation, the emergence of wearable AR technology is providing businesses with more ways than ever before to transfer and share knowledge and information across their workforces – which is turn leads to improvements in processes, resource efficiencies and productivity.
Leading the way in the AR world are Realwear’s HMT devices and Microsoft’s HoloLens, both enabling hands free information access and exchange, which also has the potential to increase the safety of your workers.
Leading technology experts see these devices as complementary to each other rather than direct competitors. Their use and value are very much dependent on your workers’ environment, use cases and the solutions your business is looking to implement.
So which device is right for you?
HMT-1 Device |
HoloLens |
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The HMT is a headset device developed specifically for the industrial worker – as such it is fully rugged, meeting IP66 standards. It is drop proof, water resistant and its LCD is easily viewable in direct sunlight as well as in dark and cramped environments. It has been built for true in-situ use (Real-world focus first, digital focus second). |
As a 3D device, HoloLens enables creation of a virtual overlay within the real world. The 3D element provides an immersive experience, but this also limits its use in specific environments, including outdoors. It has some dust protection but is not rated for drop. It prepares you for going in-situ, rather than being in-situ (Digital focus first, real-world second) |
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Designed as a headset to allow industrial user to be focussed on knowledge transfer and access in the real world |
Designed to immerse the user into a mixed reality world by superimposing holograms over the real environment |
Further specifications on each device are provided below:
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Realwear’s HMT 1 |
Microsoft HoloLens 2 |
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Overview |
The RealWear HMT-1 and HMT-1Z1 hands-free, voice operated head-mounted tablet computers are focused on Advanced In-Situation Training in rugged real-world industrial environments. |
The Microsoft HoloLens 2 is a 3D eyewear device, operated by voice or hand, that uses holograms to display information and blend into the real environment, working best in an indoor space. Windows compatible |
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Weight |
380g |
566g |
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Battery |
8-10 hours (1 shift) – hot-swappable |
2-3 hours; can recharge to 70% in 15 mins |
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Camera |
16MP and 1080p60 video with digital zoom and stabilisation |
8MP and 1080p30 video |
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Memory |
16GB internal/ 2GB RAM |
4 GB DRAM |
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Storage |
16GB + 128GB microSD |
64 GB UFS 2.1 |
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Controlled by |
Voice |
Hands and Voice |
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Connectivity |
WiFi and BLE |
WiFi and BLE |
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Audio |
62db built in with jack for PPE-rated audio earbuds |
Bone-conductive |
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Immersive experience |
2D so less immersive, but also less intrusive. Displays information adjacent to the wearers field of vision and doesn’t block the environment |
Experiences rendered in 3D – more immersive. Some improvement in field of view in latest model |
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Industrial use |
IP66, 100% dustproof and waterproof to 1m. 2m drop proof, can be used in dark and cramped work environments |
IP50, some dust protection, not rated for drop. Not optimal in dark environments or cramped spaces |
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Operating Temps |
-20 to +50 degrees C |
+10 to +27 degrees C |
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Training focus |
On the job training |
Simulated training programs |
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Use Cases |
Visual Assist, Remote Mentor, Document Navigator (workflows, data collection & reporting), Maintenance Asset/IoT, Training |
Remote Support, 3D modelling on site (superimposed views, measurements, tracking walls & objects in room), Inspections, Training, Temperature |
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Software |
Multiple applications available |
Multiple applications available |
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Summary |
Designed as a headset to allow industrial user to be focussed on knowledge transfer in the real world |
Designed to immerse the user into a mixed reality world by superimposing holograms over the real environment |
References:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/moorinsights/2019/07/01/realwear-a-force-to-be-reckoned-with-in-enterprise-ar/#1b3da5589461
https://www.ptc.com/en/success-paths/get-started-vuforia-expert-capture/plan/choose-devices/compare-device-options/how-to-choose-the-right-devices
https://www.realwear.com/blog/opinion-hololens-2-and-realwear/
https://www.intellectsoft.net/blog/microsoft-hololens-usage-in-construction/
Contact us here to determine the best device for your business, and how we can support you with implementation to increase efficiencies and business solutions.
