[WEARABLE WORKSTATION]

[OBJECTIVE]

Create a wearable workstation capable of full PC based workflows that can survive a full day's work of video conferencing, programming, office work, etc.

[CHALLENGES]

• Heat Dissipation
• Battery Life
• Cable Management
• Human Interface
• Ergonomics
  

[MATERIALS]

Note: the lab receives a commission for purchases made from the links below, but feel free to source your own materials.

• Vest: https://amzn.to/4thpAS1
• Shock cord: https://amzn.to/4sbnjqN
• Cord Lock: https://amzn.to/3OfipLm
• AR Glasses: https://amzn.to/4tNmzck
• Keyboard/touchpad: https://amzn.to/41sO92R
• Power bank: https://amzn.to/4v65mMX
• Retractable key chain: https://amzn.to/47CuL6U
• USB-C splitter: https://amzn.to/4sahiui

[PROCEDURE]

[LAPTOP MOUNTING]

The laptop needs to vent and cables/jacks need to be protected, so mounting it externally is the way to go.

A Tactical style vest was chosen for ergonomics and Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system.

A fun-colored shock cord was chosen to avoid being confused as law enforcement/military (or an impersonator). 

Threading the shock cord through the MOLLE allows for securing the laptop in the front torso area so it can vent and to keep ports accessible.

These cord locks can help with adjustments. 

We also took off the MOLLE cummerbund off the vest because it made it kind of warm to wear. We did add a shock cord in it's place to just keep things from flopping around too much.

[POWER BANK]

We happened to already have this power bank (actually and older generation one, but they look about the same) and chose it for a few key reasons: 1) it weighs about the same as the laptop, so it makes a good counter weight when mounted on the back of the vest to keep it from sliding forward; 2) good power output and total capacity; 3) flat form factor so it rests well against the back while sitting in a chair (it fit perfectly in the slot for the cummerbund and can be held in with shock cord; 4) dedicated input and output port (kind of). For this last point, the battery by default lets both USB-C ports either charge the battery or charge an external device. Sometimes the laptop can try to take the role of the charger and drain its battery to recharge the power bank which is the opposite of what you want to happen. This power bank allows you to dedicate a port to input and another one to output.

[I/O]

To replace the monitor, we used these AR glasses plugged in with USB-C. In our experience, it is best to use a dedicated port. If you use a hub to share with the power, any drop in power causes the glasses to reboot. Not worth it if you can dedicate a port. 

For user input, we used this keyboard/touchpad. We have tried others, but this one is pretty easy to type with and has all the characters needed for real work. The layout can take some getting used to but most things are where you would expect. The arrow keys with OK (extra enter) button are nice as are the volume keys. It is back lit and the touch pad is in the right place. We have tried some with the touch pad to the right of the keys and it makes it a big reach to get to the keys with the right thumb, so this layout is better. Also, this one has a 2.4 GHz dongle, so waiting on Bluetooth re-connection isn't an issue. The dongle holds a keyboard device on the system even when the keyboard is asleep.

[DETAILS]

For a work badge, you can add this retractable key chain.

The laptop needs its own USB-C cable for charging, but this USB-C splitter works for charging the keyboard and a phone. Putting the USB-A adapter on it at the power source might be a good idea for 5V - only devices. It tucks nicely into the vest’s chest pocket along with the excess from the glasses and laptop power cable.