RealWear Smart Glasses

In 2017, RealWear (originally an American company) launched the RealWear HMT-1. These Remote Collaboration Smart Glasses proved to be an immense success with companies operating in industrial settings. While similar glasses such as theMicrosoft HoloLens 2,Vuzix M400and Google Glass 2 are rather delicate devices, the RealWear HMT-1 is built for tougher tasks. The frame of the RealWear HMT-1 has been specifically developed to withstand a fall from a height of two metres without any issues. In this blog, we will delve into the specifications of the RealWear HMT-1 and look at the newly releasedRealWear Navigator 500. We will also answer the question: “Where would you use the RealWear HMT-1 or RealWear Navigator 500?”.

The RealWear HMT-1 is characterised by its robustness. Additionally, these Smart Glasses also boast excellent specifications, particularly when it comes to camera quality. The RealWear HMT-1 features an integrated 16-megapixel camera for taking photos, making it an excellent choice for detailed remote viewing.

• Video: 1080p, 30fps
• Photo: 16 MP
• Field of view: 20 degrees
• Display type: LCD
• Resolution: 854 x 480 pixels

The RealWear HMT-1 is one of the most robust smart glasses currently available. The glasses are specifically designed for use in industrial environments. The frame has been tested to withstand falls from various heights and can endure a fall from two metres without any problems. Additionally, the glasses are resistant to strong water jets and exposure to heavy dust clouds (IP66-classificatie).

Wearing the RealWear HMT-1 is very comfortable. Especially with the RealWear-workband (a fabric/elastic band around the head), it is barely noticeable that you are wearing smart glasses. The glasses also stay securely on the head, allowing for filming and/or displaying images with minimal movement.

• IP-klasse: IP66
• Water-resistant: Yes
• Dust-resistant: Yes
• Drop height (tested): 2 metres
• Weight: 380 grams

The RealWear HMT-1 is best suited for (heavily) industrial work environments where a professional needs remote assistance. For example, consider a welder who has to perform a highly specialised task and someone else needs to monitor remotely. The RealWear HMT-1 can be placed on the welder's head without causing any problems or irritations (it does not affect the work). Another person can use the high-quality camera to monitor in detail and provide tips, and the product manager does not have to worry about the equipment getting damaged during use.

On 8 December 2021, RealWear announced the latest model of industrial Smart Glasses: the RealWear Navigator 500. This model is the successor to the previously launched RealWear HMT-1. The most significant differences between these two glasses are that the RealWear Navigator features a 48MP camera (compared to 16 MP for the HMT-1) and 64GB memory (compared to 32GB for the HMT-1). Additionally, there have been some improvements in terms of the processor and weight.

• Display type: LCD
• Resolution: 854 x 480 pixels
• Field of view: 20 degrees
• Camera: 48 MP, 1080p and 60fps video (RealWear HMT-1: 16 MP, 1080p and 30fps video)
• Processor: Snapdragon 662 (RealWear HMT-1: Snapdragon 626)
• Memory: 64GB, 4GB RAM (RealWear HMT-1: 32GB, 3GB RAM)
• Weight: 272 grams (RealWear HMT-1: 380 grams)
• Battery life: Up to 8 hours (RealWear HMT-1: 5 to 6 hours)

The RealWear Navigator 500 indeed features an upgraded processor (Snapdragon 662), more memory (64GB), and a better camera (48 MP). With excellent voice recognition and noise-cancelling microphones, the RealWear Navigator 500 is an impressive Smart Glass for the (light industrial) work floor. Moreover, the RealWear Navigator 500 has a better battery life, enabling it to be used for up to 8 hours.

The RealWear HMT-1 still boasts better certifications when it comes to working in a (heavily) industrial environment. The RealWear HMT-1 is fully val-, stof-, and waterproof. The RealWear Navigator is better suited for less intensive environments, such as working in a warehouse or logistics, and for applications where filming in high resolution is important.