RealWear Navigator Z1 with Thermal Camera

RealWear Navigator Z1 with Thermal Camera

The RealWear Navigator Z1 with Thermal Camera is an industrial, assisted reality wearable computer designed for hands-free operation in hazardous areas. The device combines voice control, a monocular HD display, a visible light camera, and a FLIR Lepton 3.5 radiometric thermal imaging camera.

The operator can view instructions while working, video chat with a remote expert, document completed tasks, complete digital checklists, and locate temperature anomalies without putting down tools. The Navigator Z1 is certified for ATEX zones 1 and 21, has an IP66 rating, and is resistant to MIL-STD-810H.

Who is this product for?

The RealWear Navigator Z1 is primarily intended for organizations whose employees perform tasks in areas exposed to flammable gases, vapors, mists, or dust. The manufacturer specifically targets the mining, oil and gas, and pharmaceutical sectors.

The most suitable customers include:
oil and gas plants, refineries, and LNG installations,
chemical and petrochemical plants,
mines and raw material processing plants,
pharmaceutical and specialty chemicals industries,
energy, heating, and infrastructure companies,
offshore platforms and the maritime industry,
maintenance in plants with designated hazardous areas,
inspection, service, and maintenance teams,
companies implementing digital work instructions, remote service, and thermal imaging inspections.

Advantages

Hazardous Area Certification
This is one of the few wearable computer categories that allows digital workflows to be implemented in areas where a standard smartphone, tablet, or camera may be inappropriate.

Hands-Free Operation
Voice control allows users to open documents, select interface elements, take photos, conduct conversations, and follow instructions without putting down tools. The voice recognition system is designed to operate in noise levels up to 100 dBA.

Combined Visual and Thermal Imaging
The operator can document both the visual image and thermal information in a single device. FLIR MSX technology overlays details and edges from the visual image onto the thermal image, making it easier to recognize the component being inspected. However, it does not increase the physical resolution of the thermal sensor.

Radiometric JPEG Files

Thermal images can contain temperature data stored at individual pixels. These can then be analyzed in compatible software, including FLIR Thermal Studio or FLIR Research Studio.

High Environmental Resistance

The Navigator Z1 has:
an IP66 rating,
resistance tested according to MIL-STD-810H,
a drop test from a height of approximately 2 meters,
a declared operating range of -20°C to +55°C.

The MIL-STD-810H standard confirms the scope of environmental tests. It does not automatically imply military safety certification, approval for combat systems, or approval for processing classified information.

Compatibility with Personal Protective Equipment
The design allows the device to be used with select safety helmets, prescription and safety glasses, and hearing protection. However, specific configurations require verification of both ergonomics and approval for use in hazardous areas.

Disadvantages and Limitations

The low thermal resolution of 160 × 120 limits the identification of small objects and operation at longer distances.

The 8.7 Hz frequency results in a less smooth image than professional 30 or 60 Hz cameras. Limited measurement accuracy prevents the device from being considered a precision laboratory instrument.
Its weight, approximately 383 g, is significantly greater than the 270 g of the Navigator 520 and can be noticeable during long hours of operation.
The monocular, opaque screen is suitable for instructions and communication, but not for 3D AR models.
The battery cannot be changed or charged in an Ex zone.
It does not replace a gas detector, OGI camera, calibrated pyrometer, or professional thermal imaging camera.
Performance depends on the software – without a workflow application, remote support platform, or prepared instructions, the device remains primarily a camera and a handheld display.
Additional costs may include licenses, fleet management, FLIR Thermal Studio, industry-specific applications, integration, modem, and approved accessories.
Specification discrepancies require confirmation of the exact version before ordering.

RealWear Navigator Z1 with Thermal Camera Specifications

Main Specifications
Device Type: Industrial Assisted Reality Wearable Computer
Processor: Qualcomm QCS6490
RAM: 8 GB
Internal Memory: 128 GB
Weight: Approximately 383 g
Dimensions when folded: 191 × 210 × 56 mm
Dimensions when unfolded: 318 × 210 × 30 mm
Housing Material: LEXAN EXL9330
Operating Temperature Range: -20°C to +55°C
Operating Humidity: 10–80%, non-condensing
Ingress Protection Rating: IP66
Environmental Resistance: Tested in accordance with MIL-STD-810H
Drop Resistance: from a height of approximately 2 m
Ports: USB-C and 3.5mm audio jack mm
Operation: Hands-free voice control

Display
Display technology: LCoS
Image type: Full-color RGB
Resolution: 1280 × 720 pixels
Field of view: 24°
Design: Monocular, opaque
Operation: Left or right eye
Adjustment: Six-way display arm

Visible light camera
Camera resolution: 48 or 50 MP, depending on the hardware version and documentation
Field of view: approximately 82°
Image stabilization: Software
Maximum recording resolution according to current materials: 4K at 30 fps
Full HD recording: up to 1080p at 120 fps according to the current manufacturer's website
Recording according to older documentation: up to 1080p at 60 fps
Lighting: Built-in LED light
Supported codecs: H.264, H.265/HEVC, MPEG-4, VP8, VP9, ​​and others

Thermal Camera
Thermal Sensor: FLIR Lepton 3.5
Thermal Resolution: 160 × 120 pixels
Effective Frame Rate: 8.7 Hz
Horizontal Field of View: Approximately 57°
Diagonal Field of View: Approximately 71°
Spectral Range: 8–14 µm
Object Temperature Measurement Range: –10°C to +400°C
Thermal Sensitivity (NETD): Less than 50 mK
High Gain Accuracy: The Greater of ±5°C or ±5%
Low Gain Accuracy: The Greater of ±10°C or ±10%
Available Image Modes: Visible Image, Mixed Image, Thermal Image, and MSX Enhanced
Image Format Thermal Image: Radiometric JPEG
Recommended Operating Distance: Up to approximately 3 m

Connectivity
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6
Wi-Fi 6E Support: Indicated in some manufacturer materials
Bluetooth: Version 5.1 or 5.2, depending on the documentation and device version
Cellular Connectivity: Optional
Location Systems: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, NavIC, QZSS, and SBAS

Sensors
Gyroscope
Accelerometer
Magnetometer
Barometer
Ambient Light Sensor

Audio and Voice Control
Number of Microphones: 4 digital microphones
Noise Cancellation: Active
Voice Control: Declared in noise up to 100 dBA
Speakers: Two built-in speakers
Maximum speaker sound level: Approximately 94 dBA
Audio Output: 3.5 mm jack
Wireless Audio Device Support: Yes
Device control: voice, hands-free

Power Supply
Battery Type: Replaceable Lithium-ion Battery
Battery Capacity: Approximately 2550–2560 mAh
Battery Voltage: 3.7 V
Charging Method: USB-C
Battery Mounting: Secured with Screws
Battery Replacement in an Ex Zone: Not Permitted
Charging the Device in an Ex Zone: Not Permitted
Battery Replacement While Operating in an Ex Zone: Not Permitted

Operating System and Software
Operating System Based on Current Documentation: Ari OS Based on Android 13
Operating System Based on Older Documentation: Android 12 AOSP with WearHF Interface
App Support: Android apps adapted for voice control
Device Fleet Management: Ari Cloud or RealWear Cloud
Basic Camera App: My Camera
Thermal Data Analysis Software: FLIR Thermal Studio
Supported Thermal Images: Radiometric Files Containing Temperature Data
Integration Options: Remote Support Applications, Workflow Systems, CMMS, EAM, and Solutions Own

Certifications and Approvals
ATEX Certification for Mining: I M1 Ex ia I Ma
ATEX Certification for Gas: II 2G Ex ib IIC T4 Gb
ATEX Certification for Dust: II 2D Ex ib IIIC T200°C Db
IECEx Certification for Mining: Ex ia I Ma
IECEx Certification for Gas: Ex ib IIC T4 Gb
IECEx Certification for Dust: Ex ib IIIC T200°C Db
North American Classification: Class I Division 1, Groups A–D
North American Classification: Class II Division 1, Groups E–G
North American Classification: Class III
Enclosure Rating: IP66
Environmental Resistance: Tested in accordance with MIL-STD-810H