Technicians Eye Wearable Computers

WARRENDALE, Pa.--Technicians may soon seem to be talking to themselves--but in reality they’ll be feeding critical diagnostic data to their hands-free, wearable computers.

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and Robert Bosch Corp. in Pittsburgh, in collaboration with scientists at Robert Bosch GmbH in Germany, are unveiling the concept, called: “Speech-Controlled Wearable Computers for Automotive Shop Workers.” A presentation is set at the Society of Automotive Engineers’ (SAE) 2001 World Congress March 6 at Cobo Center in Detroit.

The team is developing a small, speech-controlled mobile computer that automotive technicians can wear while inspecting vehicles and making repairs.

Today, vehicle inspection and maintenance are often conducted using time-consuming paper forms. The service technician collects data on paper and carries it on a clipboard throughout the shop. When the work is completed, the technician often must enter the data into a computer for further processing.

“Wearable computers offer great advantages for workers in many industries, including automotive,” said Carnegie Mellon’s Christian Burgy. “These devices eliminate paper-based data collection, saving workers time and helping to increase the quality of the job performed.”

For example, instead of carrying manuals or approaching a PC to look up information or order parts, a technician using the wearable computer can access inspection data and control measurement devices--all without taking one’s hands off the vehicle. He or she can also communicate with other technicians on the floor or supervisors in the main office.

To develop the prototype device, researchers interviewed actual automotive technicians to evaluate worker needs. “We did not want to overwhelm them with technology too complicated to use,” said Bosch’s Markus Klausner. “The idea is to simplify their jobs. We believe that these devices have great potential in many industries and for many applications.”

To date, several prototypes have been developed based on user feedback, and the researchers are continuing to perfect the hardware and software.

The SAE 2001 World Congress, the world’s largest showcase of automotive engineering technologies, attracts attendees from more than 50 countries. For additional information, contact www.sae.org/congress or call 877/SAE-CONG (723-2664); outside the U.S. and Canada, call 724/772-4027.