Wearable computers open a new era in support resource management

We have addressed the critical technologies that have enabled the application of wearable computers in aerospace maintenance, but just as important is the application program. The application program defines much of the human machine interface as well as the roles and responsibilities of the maintenance technician operator. A number of issues have been raised concerning the human aspects of the maintenance technician/Portable Maintenance Terminal interface. Will the technician become subservient to the machine? Will a skilled technician who is familiar with the job, be willing to adopt the new work environment, perhaps even a total restructuring of his or her workday? At the Boeing Company we have embarked on a series of real world applications, trials, and demonstrations to evaluate these issues. During our introductory trials of wearable computer technology we have had a great deal of success in operator acceptance