RealWear HMT-1
| RealWear HMT-1 | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Augmented Reality |
| Type | Smart Glasses |
| Subtype | Enterprise AR |
| Platform | Android 8.1 |
| Creator | RealWear |
| Developer | RealWear |
| Manufacturer | RealWear |
| Announcement Date | 2017 |
| Release Date | 2017 |
| Price | ~$2,500 |
| Website | https://www.realwear.com/ |
| Versions | RealWear HMT-1, HMT-1Z1 (intrinsically safe) |
| Requires | None (standalone) |
| Predecessor | None |
| Successor | RealWear Navigator 500 |
| System | |
| Operating System | Android 8.1 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 (octa-core) |
| GPU | Adreno integrated |
| Storage | |
| Storage | 32GB (expandable via microSD up to 256GB) |
| Memory | 3GB RAM |
| SD Card Slot | Yes (microSD up to 256GB) |
| Display | |
| Display | LCD (monocular) |
| Subpixel Layout | RGB stripe |
| Peak Brightness | Not specified |
| Resolution | 854 × 480 |
| Pixel Density | N/A |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Persistence | N/A |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 20° |
| Horizontal FoV | ~20° |
| Vertical FoV | ~11° |
| Average Pixel Density | N/A |
| Peak Pixel Density | N/A |
| Foveated Rendering | No |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Waveguide/prism |
| Ocularity | Monocular (adjustable left/right) |
| IPD Range | N/A (monocular) |
| Adjustable Diopter | No (compatible with corrective eyewear) |
| Passthrough | Native see-through (display only) |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 3DoF (IMU) |
| Tracking Frequency | N/A |
| Base Stations | None |
| Eye Tracking | No |
| Face Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | No |
| Body Tracking | No |
| Rotational Tracking | Yes |
| Positional Tracking | No |
| Update Rate | 60Hz |
| Tracking Volume | N/A |
| Play Space | Assisted reality |
| Latency | <100ms |
| Audio | |
| Audio | 91dB speaker (above ear) |
| Microphone | Yes (4 noise-canceling microphones) |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | Yes |
| Camera | 16MP camera with auto-focus and image stabilization |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11ac (dual-band), Bluetooth 4.1, USB-C, GPS |
| Ports | USB-C, microSD, 3.5mm audio |
| Wired Video | No |
| Wireless Video | Yes (streaming) |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac dual-band) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Power | Internal battery |
| Battery Capacity | 3250mAh |
| Battery Life | ~8 hours |
| Charge Time | ~2 hours |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | ~180mm × 80mm × 180mm |
| Weight | 380g |
| Material | Ruggedized plastic |
| Headstrap | Head-mounted band with boom arm |
| Haptics | No |
| Color | Black/Grey |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, ambient light |
| Input | Voice commands (100% hands-free), head motion |
| Compliance | IP66, MIL-STD-810G, ATEX/IECEx Zone 1 (HMT-1Z1) |
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The RealWear HMT-1 is a rugged head-mounted wearable computer and smart glasses device developed by RealWear, released in 2017 at a price of approximately $2,500. Designed explicitly for industrial "deskless workers" in manufacturing, field service, energy, and other frontline environments, the HMT-1 pioneered the concept of "assisted reality" — providing hands-free access to information through a monocular display and best-in-class voice control rather than attempting true augmented reality with spatial mapping. The HMT-1 features a 16MP camera with 1080p video, four noise-canceling microphones that work in environments up to 95dB, IP66 dust and water resistance, MIL-STD-810G military-grade durability, and an 8-hour battery life enabling full-shift operation. Its 100% voice-controlled interface eliminates the need for hand interaction, making it ideal for workers who need both hands for their tasks.
History and Development
RealWear Founding
Company background:
- Founded 2016
- Industrial wearables focus
- Voice-first philosophy
- Enterprise-only market
Industrial AR Gap
Market opportunity:
- Workers needing hands-free data
- Existing solutions inadequate
- Rugged requirements
- Voice control necessity
2017 Launch
Market introduction:
- Industrial focus
- Rugged design
- Voice-controlled
- Enterprise deployment
Industry Adoption
Market success:
- Major enterprise customers
- Oil & gas adoption
- Manufacturing deployment
- Field service use
Design Philosophy
Assisted Reality
Information overlay:
- Not AR with spatial mapping
- Glanceable information
- Document display
- Video collaboration
100% Hands-Free
Voice-first design:
- Complete voice control
- No hand gestures needed
- Industrial practical
- Safety compliant
Rugged-First
Industrial durability:
- IP66 certified
- MIL-STD-810G tested
- 2-meter drop resistant
- Extreme temperature operation
Full-Shift Battery
Work day operation:
- 8-hour battery life
- Complete shift coverage
- Hot-swap capable
- Continuous operation
Display Technology
Monocular LCD
Information display:
- Resolution: 854 × 480
- Type: LCD
- Size: Equivalent to 7" tablet at arm's length
- 1-meter focal depth
Field of View
Information window:
- 20° field of view
- Data display focused
- Not immersive
- Glanceable information
Display Pod
Adjustable positioning:
- Rotatable mount
- Left or right eye
- Adjustable angle
- User-configurable
Processing
Snapdragon 626
Reliable processor:
- CPU: Octa-core
- Platform: Qualcomm
- Efficient performance
- Enterprise adequate
Memory
Storage capability:
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: 32GB
- Expandable: microSD up to 256GB
- Enterprise sufficient
Camera
16MP Camera
High-resolution capture:
- Resolution: 16 megapixels
- Video: 1080p @30fps
- Auto-focus
- Image stabilization
Camera Applications
Use cases:
- Remote expert assistance
- Documentation capture
- Barcode scanning
- Visual inspection
Voice Control
Industry-Leading Voice
Best-in-class:
- 100% voice controlled
- No touch needed
- Natural language
- Reliable recognition
Noise Cancellation
Industrial environment:
- 4 noise-canceling microphones
- 2 in display unit
- Works up to 95dB
- Factory floor capable
Voice Commands
Navigation method:
- Menu navigation
- Application control
- Document scrolling
- Complete functionality
Language Support
International use:
- 15 languages supported
- English, German, French
- Japanese, Chinese, Korean
- And more
Audio
Powerful Speaker
Above-ear design:
- 91dB speaker
- Positioned above ear
- Clear in noisy environments
- Communication capable
3.5mm Jack
Headphone option:
- Private listening
- Hearing protection compatible
- Alternative audio
- User choice
Sensors
Motion Sensors
Orientation detection:
- Accelerometer
- Gyroscope
- Magnetometer
- 3DoF tracking
Environmental Sensors
Additional sensing:
- Ambient light sensor
- GPS
- Barometer
- Location awareness
Battery
Long-Duration Battery
Full-shift operation:
- Capacity: 3250mAh
- Life: ~8 hours active
- Charging: ~2 hours
- Hot-swap capable
Shift Coverage
Industrial practical:
- Complete work shift
- No mid-day charging
- Enterprise deployment
- Productivity maintained
Physical Design
Rugged Construction
Industrial grade:
- IP66 water/dust resistant
- MIL-STD-810G certified
- 2-meter drop tested
- -20°C to +50°C operation
Mounting Options
Flexible wear:
- Head-mounted band
- Hardhat attachment
- Bump cap mount
- Safety glasses compatible
Display Boom
Adjustable arm:
- Rotatable display pod
- Left or right eye
- Position adjustable
- User preference
Weight
Heavier design:
- 380g
- Weight distributed
- Balanced design
- Headband support
Intrinsically Safe Version
HMT-1Z1
Hazardous environments:
- ATEX/IECEx Zone 1 certified
- Oil & gas ready
- Chemical plants
- Explosive atmospheres
Software
Android 8.1
Operating system:
- Standard Android
- Enterprise customization
- App ecosystem
- Regular updates
RealWear Cloud
Management platform:
- Device management
- Remote configuration
- Fleet deployment
- Enterprise control
Partner Applications
Software ecosystem:
- Microsoft Teams
- Zoom
- Cisco WebEx
- Custom enterprise apps
Enterprise Applications
Remote Expert
Video collaboration:
- "See what I see"
- Real-time guidance
- Expert consultation
- Problem resolution
Manufacturing
Production support:
- Assembly guidance
- Quality inspection
- Training support
- Process documentation
Field Service
Technician support:
- Repair guidance
- Procedure documentation
- Hands-free reference
- Remote assistance
Oil & Gas
Energy industry:
- Inspection support
- Safety compliance
- Remote expert access
- Hazardous environment use (HMT-1Z1)
Comparison with Competitors
| Feature | RealWear HMT-1 | Vuzix M400 | Google Glass EE2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$2,500 | ~$1,799 | $999 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 626 | Snapdragon XR1 | Snapdragon XR1 |
| Display | 854×480 LCD | 640×360 OLED | 640×360 |
| FOV | 20° | 16.8° | ~15° |
| Camera | 16MP | 12.8MP | 8MP |
| Weight | 380g | <85g | 46g |
| Battery | 8 hours | 2-3 hours | ~2 hours |
| IP Rating | IP66 | IP67 | N/A |
| Voice Control | Primary | Secondary | Secondary |
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- Industry-leading voice control
- 8-hour battery life
- IP66 rugged design
- 16MP camera
- Noise cancellation (95dB)
- Full-shift operation
- Intrinsically safe option
Limitations
- Heavy (380g)
- Low resolution display
- Small FOV (20°)
- Not true AR
- High price point
- Dated processor
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | LCD, 854 × 480 |
| FOV | 20° |
| Processor | Snapdragon 626 (octa-core) |
| Memory | 3GB RAM, 32GB storage |
| Camera | 16MP, 1080p video |
| Audio | 4 noise-canceling mics, 91dB speaker |
| Battery | 3250mAh (~8 hours) |
| Durability | IP66, MIL-STD-810G |
| Voice Control | 100% hands-free, 95dB tolerance |
| Weight | 380g |
| Price | ~$2,500 |