Wearable computers: Information tool for the twentyfirst century

The wearable computer is a portable computer that is actually worn on the user's body. Ergonomics is therefore a vital feature of its design. Since humans naturally communicate with voice, a wearable computer also responds to the voice. Wearable computers and global wireless networks make it possible to bring exciting capabilities to the individual. Until recently, wearable computer development has been restricted to academic and military laboratories. Now, technological advances and reduced cost have ignited investor excitement about wearable computers. Wearable system applications in manufacturing, logistics, medicine, training, quality control, communications and even entertainment are now becoming widespread. The earliest development of wearable computers occurred in the 1960s. All of the elements of the modern wearable computer were in place in the Eudaemons system for predicting outcome on a roulette wheel. Since then, wearable computer development has paralleled advances in microprocessor technology. After addressing the important distinction between wearable and mobile computers, this paper will look at wearable computers as an information tool for industry. A short history of wearable computers will trace development from the early single application attempts to today's feature-rich systems. A discussion on current and anticipated applications is then followed by an overview of important related technologies. Finally, the paper will assess how wearable computers could impact twentyfirst century industry and society.