Xybernaut and Protolex Wearable Computing Solutions Being Tested During Pentagon Reconstruction
Inspection Team Tests MA V for Field Force Automation Projects; Increase Accuracy, Boost Productivity and Assure OSHA Safety Compliance
Thursday August 29, 8:46 am ET
FAIRFAX, Va. & LANHAM, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 29, 2002-- Xybernaut® Corporation (Nasdaq:XYBR - News) and Protolex LLC today announced that Xybernaut Mobile Assistant® V (MA® V) wearable computers, configured with Protolex field force automation tools, are currently being tested for evaluation during reconstruction of the Pentagon.
The mobile/wearable computing solution, which includes inspection, maintenance, quality assurance and project management capabilities, was developed by Protolex for use by site supervisors during the reconstruction of the Pentagon. The end-user organization, which is the general contractor for the reconstruction, is an $8 billion global construction company based in the United Kingdom.
"The Xybernaut-Protolex system is designed for ease-of-use, flexible forms creation and reliable operation to ensure the highest quality of work while abiding by OSHA safety regulations," stated Dennis Murphey, vice president, business development for Protolex. "Pentagon reconstruction supervisors are pilot-testing the MA V to inspect work and input their findings into 'digital template documents' designed by Protolex. Using an unobtrusive headset microphone, connected to the MA V via standard USB ports, supervisors have the option to verbally navigate and input data directly into the custom-designed digital templates," Murphey added.
As part of the Pentagon reconstruction, site supervisors are required to walk room-to-room daily to examine work-in-progress.
Utilizing a wireless/wearable information delivery system based on Xybernaut MA V computers, supervisors or inspection teams hope to complete more accurate and timelier inspection checklists, create location specific recommendations, prepare real-time inspection reports and work orders.
The comprehensive solution, developed and integrated by Protolex, offers wireless, voice navigation and data entry for site supervisors to manage the scheduling and performance of the many subcontractors involved in repairing the Pentagon. Currently, 30 different sub-contractor organizations are involved.
Project supervisors use a speech-activated Xybernaut wearable computer system with a lightweight headset, digital camera and an all-light readable touch screen flat-panel display (FPD).
When appropriate, other types of data -- such as digital photographs, video or information from diagnostic equipment, can be captured and saved locally to the MA V hard drive or sent to remote locations using wireless or hard-wired networks.
Schematic diagrams and technical specifications can be viewed on the FPD in dark settings or in full sunlight. Additionally, OSHA workplace safety regulations can be downloaded onto the MA V for easy access and insertion into the report forms during inspections.
Before work crews arrive on-site at 7:00 a.m., supervisors will have used the wearable computer to prepare a daily summary of items needing attention. At that time, the supervisors will also have prioritized work orders delegating action-item responsibility to the various sub-contractors.
Wireless connectivity will be used to link the inspection MA V to the general contractor's primary network and server cluster located in a management trailer, which is off-site in a separate parking lot.
"Construction, property management and related industry segments are natural candidates for wearable computing and mobile solutions," stated Edward G. Newman, chairman, president and CEO of Xybernaut. "Many of our business customers utilize Xybernaut platforms to automate the various tasks related to inspection, maintenance and repair out in the field. While productivity gains are often significant, additional value is realized because our wearable/mobile technologies are easily integrated into existing enterprise IT infrastructure."
About Protolex
Protolex, based in Lanham, MD, is a privately held aerospace and telecommunications engineering company. Protolex is leveraging its rich heritage in the integration of complex, global wireless communication systems and has developed an end-to-end web-based information exchange system.
The Protolex software product is applicable to many industries and applications such as: healthcare, construction and project management. Using innovative solutions and strategic partners Protolex's goal is to be the leading source for secure web-based electronic records and forms that are accessible by anyone (authorized), from anywhere, at anytime. Visit Protolex on the Web at www.protolex.net.
About Xybernaut Corporation
Xybernaut Corporation is the leading provider of wearable/mobile computing hardware, software and services, bringing communications and full-function computing power in a hands-free design to people when and where they need it. Headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, Xybernaut has offices and subsidiaries in Europe (Germany) and Asia (Japan). Visit Xybernaut's Web site at www.xybernaut.com.
Xybernaut, the Xybernaut logo and Mobile Assistant® V (MA® V) are trademarks or registered trademarks of Xybernaut Corporation in the USA and other countries. All other brand and product names are or may be trademarks of, and are used to identify products or services of, their respective owners.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"). In particular, when used in the preceding discussion, the words "plan," "confident that," "believe," "scheduled," "expect," or "intend to," and similar conditional expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act and are subject to the safe harbor created by the Act. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any of the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, market conditions, the availability of components and successful production of the Company's products, general acceptance of the Company's products and technologies, competitive factors, timing, and other risks described in the Company's SEC reports and filings.
Third party statements contained herein and information contained on any third party website are not endorsed by or adopted by Xybernaut, nor has their accuracy been verified by Xybernaut.
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Contact:
Xybernaut Corporation, Fairfax
Michael Binko, 703/631-6925
mbinko@xybernaut.com
or
Protolex, LLC, Lanham
Dennis Murphey, 301/459-6646
dmurphey@protolex.net
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Source: Xybernaut Corporation |
