Eurotech - Wearable Computers

The Eurotech Group is a centre of technological excellence which designs, develops and markets cutting-edge wearable computer solutions. Eurotech offers innovative and value-added wearable computing solutions that anticipate market evolutions and future scenarios through accurate strategic planning.

The company carries out research, development, production and marketing of miniaturised computers (nanoPCs) and High-Performance Computers (HPCs). Its miniaturised wearable computer architectures are designed to answer specific requirements and to operate in harsh environments and hostile conditions.

WEARABLE COMPUTERS FOR IMMEDIATE COMPUTING SUPPORT

Pioneering the wearable computing industry, Eurotech has realised the new Zypad family of wearable computers. These innovative devices are comfortably worn on a person's body and provide immediate computing support without monopolizing users' attention and inconveniencing or distracting them from carrying out their primary work activities.

Extensive aesthetic, technical and ergonomic studies were undertaken to produce this innovative, highly-wearable solution that will revolutionise where and how we use computers. Zypad wearable computing solutions enable hands-free operation and greater freedom of movement in applications where today the use of traditional computers is impractical.

MINATURE WRIST-WORN PC SYSTEMS

The Zypad WL 1000 is the first wrist-worn computer realised by Eurotech. In order to reduce weight and size, and guarantee high-wearability, Eurotech has miniaturised the circuits as much as possible to create a computer that integrates all the potentialities of hardware and software standard architecture in a computer that weighs only 290g.

The wireless functionalities of the WL 1000 ensure continuous connectivity no matter the location of the user, by utilising Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS capabilities. Using Linux or Windows CE operating systems, the unit can be quickly configured to access any remote host system through integrated wired or wireless interfaces.

The Zypad WL 1000 bases its architecture on a AU 1100 at 400MHz processor, 64MB RAM non-volatile Flash, 64MB ROM non-volatile Flash, 2GB Mini SD, a NanoZigBee module, 240 x 320 3.5in TFT LCD 256K colour touch screen, 2200mAh 3.6V Li-ion removable battery pack and a accelerometer able to track user’s movements.

Another goal achieved is related to power consumption. Thanks to a number of innovative solutions, Eurotech’s engineers have managed to create a system that allows the wrist-worn computer to run only when it is actually in use by suspending the system depending on the arm's position.

WEARABLE PCS

The potential applications of the WL 1000 wearable computer are numerous. In airport systems the Zypad WL 1000 can streamline the entire check-in process allowing employees to circulate among passengers to perform the necessary checks thereby removing the need for a fixed terminal.

This system increases customer satisfaction, makes the staff operations more efficient and maintains the security standards. Furthermore, with the Zypad WL 1000, airport staff has quick access to complete customer data including passenger name, flight number and date, seat assignment and baggage status.

The WL 1000 can also make maintenance services more productive. A field technician wearing a Zypad miniature computer can access useful technical instructions and schematics to rapidly solve problems and continue working, thanks to the possibility of having his hands free.

WEARABLE COMPUTERS IN AIRPORTS

The baggage handling process can also be optimised using the wearable WL 1000. Thanks to the possibility of reading barcodes (optional accessory) and multimedia and connectivity properties, Zypad can support the handling of baggage, making it faster to store and enabling a safe tracking of its movements.

Another important application is in the airport security system. The wearable computer can display on-line passenger information in real time, permitting airport security staff to double check when the passengers are in the airport security check passages.