Get Ready for ‘Wearable’ Aviation Computers

Following the wide acceptance of portable cockpit computers (even by the FAA), there comes news of wearable hardware for aircraft maintenance personnel and pilots. Aviation Automation, a startup company based in Arlington, Texas, offers a line of portable computers and electronic flight bags (EFBs) that can be secured to the user’s hip and connected to tiny head-mounted displays. The line of wearable computers is generally meant for aircraft and avionics technicians to provide them with access to electronic maintenance manuals, parts catalogs, wiring diagrams and a way to communicate with colleagues or vendors. The company also unveiled the i-Ready Room line of EFBs that includes “detachable” remote displays and other flat screens that can be used with pen tablets or laptops.