You think the switch from typewriter to computer was a
revolution? In the near future many of us could be interacting
with computers inserted into our own clothing.
While the pairing of humans and machines often raises fears
of what the technological future might have in store for us,
it is also the basis of many of our conceptions for dealing
with the challenges of the future; including improved ecologically-friendly
transport, and revolutionary medical applications.
European researchers have been carrying out wide-ranging
testing of new “wearable technology” that has
the potential to protect and even save lives. The vital
innovation is that
the technology facilitates a new form of small, easily accessible
computers that are worn on the body and always responsive.
New paradigm
"Wearable computing is a completely new working paradigm,” Michael
Lawo, technical manager of theWearIT@work project, said in
a press release. “It is a technology which can support
you in a particular environment. Instead of working at the
computer, you are directly supported by the technology, a
bit like when you are driving a car and you get information
from
the navigation system supporting you in your primary tasks.”
This EU-funded project is uses a number of commercial, ‘off-the-shelf’ components
and brings them together to create a new tool with the potential
to revolutionise the way we work.
As the largest civilian wearable computing effort worldwide,
WearIT@work is currently being tested in four different fields.
These include aircraft maintenance, emergency response, car
production and healthcare. Pilot projects in the areas of
bush-fire prevention, e-inclusion and cultural heritage have
also recently been launched.
In most cases, the technology is being applied to people
who are not accustomed to using computers at the workplace,
such as blue-collar workers. “The basic idea was to
make the technology available to the workers and directly
improve productivity,” says Lawo. “We address
fields where there are no similar applications today.”
Working with fire
The most challenging test case for the project is one involving
emergency response teams. In collaboration with the Paris
Fire Brigade, WearIT@work is testing their system as a means
to help support the communication, collaboration and information
processes of rescue forces. These include a number of light,
easy-to-use devices worn by firefighters, such as biosensors
that monitor their physiological condition.
The technology has largely been well received by workers. “They
recognise that this is a new technology where you can monitor
working activities, but they do not hesitate to use it, and
they see the advantage of it,” says Lawo.
Difficulties might nonetheless emerge in the future. “As
soon as you come to the actual introduction of the technology
and start negotiating with the unions, privacy will undoubtedly
be an issue,” says Lawo.
WearIT@work already has some 42 partners, including IT giants
Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard and Siemens, but Lawo says the
project is always on the lookout for new ventures.
Testing is due to continue until mid-2008 and will be followed
by an initial 12-month period where the focus will shift
to exploitation. “What we really want to do is introduce
the system into everyday working methods,” says Lawo.
Source: AlphaGalileo Press
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