Xybernaut & Protolex Wearable Computing Solutions Being Tested During Pentagon Reconstruction - Inspection Team Tests MA V for Field Force Automation Projects; Increase Accuracy, Boost Productivity and Assure OSHA Safety Compliance

FAIRFAX, VA and LANHAM, MD, August 29, 2002 - Xybernaut Corporation and Protolex LLC today announced that Xybernaut Mobile Assistant® V (MA® V) wearable computers, configured with Protolex field force automation tools, are currently being tested for evaluation during reconstruction of the Pentagon. 

The mobile/wearable computing solution, which includes inspection, maintenance, quality assurance and project management capabilities, was developed by Protolex, a general contractor, based in United Kingdom,  for use by site supervisors during the reconstruction of the Pentagon. 

"The Xybernaut-Protolex system is designed for ease-of-use, flexible forms creation and reliable operation to ensure quality of work while abiding by OSHA safety regulations," stated Dennis Murphey, vice president, business development for Protolex. "Pentagon reconstruction supervisors are pilot-testing the MA V to inspect work and input their findings into 'digital template documents' designed by Protolex. Using an unobtrusive headset microphone, connected to the MA V via standard USB ports, supervisors have the option to verbally navigate and input data directly into the custom-designed digital templates," Murphey added. 

As part of the Pentagon reconstruction, site supervisors are required to walk room-to-room daily to examine work-in-progress. Utilizing a wireless/wearable information delivery system based on Xybernaut MA V computers, supervisors or inspection teams hope to complete more accurate and timelier inspection checklists, create location specific recommendations, prepare real-time inspection reports and work orders. 

The comprehensive solution, developed and integrated by Protolex, offers wireless, voice navigation and data entry for site supervisors to manage the scheduling and performance of the many subcontractors involved in repairing the Pentagon. Currently, 30 different sub-contractor organizations are involved. Project supervisors use a speech-activated Xybernaut wearable computer system with a lightweight headset, digital camera and an all-light readable touch screen flat-panel display (FPD). 

When appropriate, other types of data -- such as digital photographs, video or information from diagnostic equipment, can be captured and saved locally to the MA V hard drive or sent to remote locations using wireless or hard-wired networks. Schematic diagrams and technical specifications can be viewed on the FPD in dark settings or in full sunlight. Additionally, OSHA workplace safety regulations can be downloaded onto the MA V for easy access and insertion into the report forms during inspections. 

Before work crews arrive on-site at 7:00 a.m., supervisors will have used the wearable computer to prepare a daily summary of items needing attention. At that time, the supervisors will also have prioritized work orders delegating action-item responsibility to the various sub-contractors. Wireless connectivity will be used to link the inspection MA V to the general contractor's primary network and server cluster located in a management trailer, which is off-site in a separate parking lot. 

"Construction, property management and related industry segments are natural candidates for wearable computing and mobile solutions," stated Edward G. Newman, chairman, president and CEO of Xybernaut. "Many of our business customers utilize Xybernaut platforms to automate the various tasks related to inspection, maintenance and repair out in the field. While productivity gains are often significant, additional value is realized because our wearable/mobile technologies easily integrated into existing enterprise IT infrastructure, such as the one being provided by Protolex." 


For more information:  http://www.protolex.net and  http://www.xybernaut.com

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory:  Wearable computers are finding more applications in difficult construction and maintenance projects. This is a good case study for Xybernaut.