JOURNAL OF AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE INDUSTRY NEWS - TECHNOLOGY NEWS

March 15th, 2002

Wearable Computers Could Help in Homeland Security Efforts

Mobile, enterprise-capable technologies, such as wearable computing, may play a major role in homeland security and the fight against terrorism, and could help boost the global economy, said James S. Gilmore III, chairman of the Congressional Advisory Panel to Assess Weapons of Mass Destruction and Domestic Response.

Gilmore, who is the former governor of Virginia, made the remarks in a speech at the 7th annual International Conference on Wearable Computing, which is being held this year as part of the COMDEX Chicago technology trade show and is sponsored by Xybernaut Corporation.

According to Gilmore, wearable computers are currently providing real world examples of how technology can be leveraged as part of the U.S. anti-terrorism campaign to ensure homeland security. He pointed to experimental exercises using wearable computers, which are being employed by U.S. Army troops in training and simulated battlefield situations at Fort Benning's Dismounted Battlespace Battle Lab, as a prime example of how wearable technology can be deployed. He also discussed several potential homeland security applications.

"In the most strategic sense, however, our experiences since Sept. 11 have clearly underscored the need for new and expanded relationships between the public and private sectors on new technologies. Our abilities to communicate, plan, train and implement new technologies together are critical to the safety and security of our nation," he said. "Enhancing these relationships will be essential in our efforts to prevent and deter attacks before they occur."

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