The Navigator Z1 is the latest headset to join RealWear's acclaimed line of industrial wearables.

RealWear is an internationally successful company that specialises in developing extended reality (XR) devices for industry. Its product portfolio is made up of two main strands: the HMT-1 series and Navigator series, which includes the Navigator 500, 520 and now the Z1.

This next-gen headset is RealWear's most advanced yet. In its launch announcement, the Vancouver-based company stressed that the Z1 is purpose-built for the frontline, with a particular focus on industries such as "oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and mining".

A lifeline for deskless workers in challenging environments

As more and more industries shift to digitised workflows and XR technologies, many frontline workers in high-risk workplaces are in danger of being left behind. With the new, ruggedised Navigator Z1, RealWear is making sure that doesn't happen. 

Discussing the motive behind the Z1's development, RealWear CEO Dr Chris Parkinson reflected that "these workers are often still outfitted, frankly, with ineffective or old equipment". He added that the Z1 is the "smartest and lightest IS wearable with integrated battery available to frontline workers".

Certified

One constraint these high-risk industries face is that they're limited to only Intrinsically Safe (IS) equipment.

The Z1 is one of a handful of wearables that are certified as Intrinsically Safe. This means it's safe to use on sites where almost all other electronics are strictly prohibited. 

Next-generation technology

The Navigator Z1 is RealWear's most advanced industry-ready headset.

As well as being 5G-ready and supporting Wi-Fi 6/6E, the device houses an all-new AI core processor – the most powerful in any RealWear device yet.

By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), the Z1 is making operations smarter. The processor allows for on-device AI experiences, such as smart data analytics to optimise device usage.

AI and XR are natural partners in the ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution. Getting one step ahead with the Z1 means you're ready to harness existing and upcoming AI-powered applications while reaping the collaborative benefits of XR. 

Information sharing

As well as making operations smarter and more streamlined, the Z1 also enables clear and precise knowledge transfer between users. This makes it ideal for on-the-job training and remote guidance between far-flung workers and off-site experts.

With the widening knowledge gap in oil and gas, this capability could not come at a better time. According to RealWear, the average age of energy workers is 44 – and 43% of them are considering leaving or retiring within the next five years. 

Collaboration

The Navigator Z1's next-gen connectivity goes hand-in-hand with improved visibility. The device boasts a high-definition 720p display and a 48-megapixel camera to allow for streamlined real-time inspections and operational maintenance.

Better visual clarity means clearer communication. With less room for error, you can expect to see a reduction in downtime and the costs that come with it. 

Built for the job

The Z1 is frontline-ready. Built to tackle the toughest working environments, it boasts a seriously ruggedised design.

Developers at RealWear have scrupulously tested the device against high pressures, drops and extreme temperatures (-20°C to +55°C) – all while keeping it incredibly lightweight (at just 383 grams) and comfortable enough to be worn all day. It is, in fact, the lightest, toughest wearable computer available to frontline workers today. 

Safety first

The Z1's heads-up and hands-free design ensures its users can continue their work safely without breaking concentration and disrupting their workflow.

It also features built-in noise cancellation, so users can hear and be heard even in environments where the ambient noise can reach a staggering 100 dBA.

State-of-the-art developments

As RealWear's most advanced device yet, the Navigator Z1 boasts more than 21 improvements over previous headsets. This includes features like its 20% larger high-definition display, improved voice responsiveness and enterprise-secure Android 12 OS.

It also includes 128 gigabytes of storage. For comparison, the Navigator 520 – its predecessor – included 64 gigabytes.

Modular design

Like other headsets in the Navigator series, the Z1 features an adaptable modular design. This allows you to customise it to meet your industry's specific needs.

Modules include an optional thermal imaging camera, which is ideal for working in environments with explosive or flammable materials. The camera can detect abnormal heat signatures before they become a hazard, making maintenance and checks easier and improving safety for staff.

Navigator Z1 technical specifications

• Operating system: Android 12 (AOSP) + WearHF hands-free interface
• Chipset: Qualcomm QCS6490
• Memory: 8 GB RAM with 128 GB internal storage
• Included applications: barcode reader, document navigator, web page viewer, audio and video recorder, media player, cloud sync, pedometer, timer, calculator
• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Wi-Fi 6E (6 GHz)
• Battery capacity:  removable and rechargeable 2550 mAh Li-Ion – powering a full shift with typical use
• Ruggedisation: Intrinsically Safe (ATEX Zone 1 and CSA C1/D1),  IP66, MIL-STD-810H, 2-metre drop tested
• Display type: 4-bit colour LCoS, 0.35-inch diagonal display with 24° field-of-view
• Speaker: internal 94dBA loudspeaker
• Camera: 48 MP modular camera with LED flashlight
• Video: Up to 1080p at 60fps, video stabilisation, >6X zoom in HD

The bottom line

Built to tackle the trickiest operational challenges, power remote collaboration and boost productivity, the Z1 has a promising future.

What sets it apart from the rest is the acute attention to detail in the device's design. RealWear has worked hard to create a solution for workers in some of the world's harshest environments. 

If your workforce operates in a high-risk, hazardous environment and you're ready to invest in the potential of XR wearables, this could be the device for you. You can buy the RealWear Navigator Z1 today from the Expand Reality store – or feel free to contact us with any questions. We're always happy to discuss deployment and software solutions.