Extended reality (XR) devices are transforming the way we work. From helping surgeons plan for complex operations to unlocking remote support for frontline workers, our technology has hundreds of potential use cases across dozens of sectors.

But if your staff work in challenging environments, we bet there's one burning question on your mind: "can I use XR devices with PPE?"

Smart thinking. Hard hats, safety goggles and other personal protective equipment are essential for certain lines of work. Indeed, if health and safety risks exist, employers are legally obliged to provide suitable PPE to mitigate them.

This is particularly pertinent in industries like construction, manufacturing and utilities, where PPE is worn daily.

For these sectors, the "PPE question" could be a dealbreaker. After all, if those XR glasses get in the way of your hard hat, they're rendered pretty much pointless. Useful as they are, employee safety has to come first.

So allow us to share some good news: broadly speaking, our XR devices can be worn with a wide range of PPE.

Yes. As industries continue to discover the productivity-boosting potential of XR technology, manufacturers have stepped up to the plate and included PPE compatibility as standard.

Why do we say "broadly speaking"? Well, because the scope and details of compatibility vary from product to product. And in a couple of cases, PPE compatibility isn't available at all – but these incompatible devices are less likely to be used at the frontline anyway.

Naturally, you'll want to be sure that a device is up to the job. That's why we've put together a quick guide to help you choose the right wearable for your PPE requirements.

Want to skip the guide and start browsing? You can shop for XR devices right here.

Assisted reality devices

You can think of assisted reality (aR) devices as powerful, head-mounted tablets. They deliver all the functionality of a high-end portable computer, packed into a comfortable, hands-free form factor. Using simple voice commands, staff can access important documentation, run productivity apps and engage in video meetings with colleagues and remote experts.

aR devices typically include an arm-mounted or waveguide screen, as well as a front-facing camera to facilitate video streaming. Most are compatible with PPE such as hard hats and goggles too.

RealWear HMT-1

Form factor: headset

Compatible with hard hats?: yes, with optional clips

Compatible with safety goggles?: yes

Notes

The HMT-1 is a popular and versatile wearable from leading XR manufacturer RealWear. It's a ruggedised device, so is suitable for use in demanding environments.

Hard hats can be attached to the HMT-1 using optional clips, which snap into the hat's accessory slots. RealWear produces clips for a wide variety of hard hat models, all of which are available via its website. Alternatively, you can manufacture your own using a 3D printer.

For bump caps, you'll need a special overhead strap. This fits over the crown of the cap and secures the device to the brim.

Need to wear safety glasses with the HMT-1? It couldn't be easier. The device is worn across the forehead, leaving the ears free to accommodate goggles or prescription glasses.

Buy the RealWear HMT-1.

RealWear HMT-1Z1

Form factor: headset

Compatible with hard hats?: yes, with optional clips

Compatible with safety goggles?: yes

Notes

The RealWear HMT-1Z1 has similar specs to the HMT-1 but has been strengthened to suit the most challenging and high-risk environments. It's the world's first globally certified Intrinsically Safe (IS) Zone 1 assisted reality device. This means it presents no ignition risk in areas where explosive gas atmospheres are likely to occur in normal operation.

In terms of PPE compatibility, the HMT-1Z1 works similarly to the HMT-1. Like that device, it's suitable for use with hard hats, bump caps and safety goggles, as well as prescription glasses.

Buy the RealWear HMT-1Z1.

RealWear Navigator 500

Form factor: headset

Compatible with hard hats?: yes, with optional clips

Compatible with safety goggles?: yes

Notes

The Navigator 500 is the latest assisted reality device from RealWear. It boasts a raft of improvements over its predecessors, including an improved camera and a new, built-in fingerprint scanner. Like the HMT-1, it's a ruggedised device, so is suitable for challenging work environments. However, unlike the HMT-1Z1, it's not rated as Intrinsically Safe Zone 1.

PPE compatibility works much like the HMT-1. You can attach hard hats using specialised clips, or attach bump caps with an optional strap. Safety goggles and prescription spectacles require no accessories.

Vuzix M4000

Form factor: glasses

Compatible with hard hats?: yes, with an optional mount

Compatible with safety goggles?: yes, with clip-on frames

Notes

The Vuzix M4000 is a wearable computer in the form of a pair of glasses. A notable benefit of the M4000 is its weight, or rather the lack of it. At just 190 grams, it's lighter than a deck of cards, making it extremely comfortable to wear. This makes it the ideal XR solution for long shifts.

The M4000 is compatible with hard hats, bump caps and safety goggles. Hats are mounted in a similar way to RealWear's devices – with optional clips. Goggles, however, work slightly differently. Since the M4000 is designed like a pair of glasses, it can't be worn with your run-of-the-mill spectacles. Instead, Vuzix provides its own safety lenses, which simply clip into the front of the device.

Vuzix Blade Upgraded

Form factor: glasses

Compatible with hard hats?: no

Compatible with safety goggles?: they are safety goggles

The Vuzix Blade Upgraded is – as the name suggests – an upgraded version of the original Vuzix Blade smart glasses. The device features several improvements, the most notable being that safety lenses are now included as standard.

In this sense, the Vuzix Blade Upgraded is a piece of PPE. No additional glasses or clip-on frames are necessary, at least for most applications. The included lenses are certified to ANSI Z87.1 safety standards.

The Vuzix Blade is not compatible with hard hats.

What about augmented reality devices?

Augmented reality (AR) devices are powerful wearables that blend elements of the real and the virtual. For instance, while wearing an AR headset, you could make a lifelike 3D coffee cup "materialise" on your very real desk.

AR devices have almost endless use cases, ranging from training, to product development, to architectural planning. However, they're less likely to see regular frontline use, compared to assisted reality headsets. For this reason, most AR devices are not designed to be worn with PPE.

Of course, this only applies to PPE that's worn on the head. You can, of course, use AR headsets alongside hi-viz jackets, safety shoes and the like.

The exception to this "rule" is the Microsoft HoloLens 2. This revolutionary AR device is available in a specialised form factor that features an integrated hard hat.

Useful links

Want to see more of what our devices can do? Explore extended reality use cases by industry.

Ready to get to grips with extended reality? Visit our XR store and discover our transformative tech for yourself.