Over the years technology designed for the battlefield has made its way to the commercial sector. The latest device that might just turn heads is Black Diamond Advanced Technology’s MTS (Modular Tactical System) wearable ultra-rugged PC. This new system is available as a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) system, where parts can be mixed and matched as needed. The system has been tested in the rugged terrain of Afghanistan, and was optimized for dismounted use with command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR for those in the know).
The system essentially places the MTS computer right on the wearer’s chest in the backpack. While based on COTS, this doesn’t mean that it is actually commercially available right now. However, we already see the potential for civilian applications. Who wouldn’t want to wear their rugged computer?
The spec sheet says that a Windows XP (yikes, Windows XP), Windows 7 and Linux version are available. Sorry Apple. The machine isn’t exactly a powerhouse either, users are forced to use a dedicated on-screen keyboard – so this thing works a bit like a tablet computer – along with an optical mouse and five programmable buttons. In its current configuration it probably isn’t ideal for email or Photoshop, but the military probably has other uses that are bit more important. Still it would be interesting to see if this technology could make its way to adventure travel.
[Via GizMag: Military tested, ultra rugged wearable computer system gets commercial release]