The Evolution of Army Wearable Computers

W earable computers will soon become a reality on the battlefield for frontline troops, under the US Army’s Land Warrior program. Here, we trace the evolution of Army wearable computers, from the initial concept and first prototype, through downsizing and improvements, to future product directions. We focus on two major programs central to the Army’s development of wearable computers: the Soldier Integrated Protective Ensemble (SIPE) and the Land Warrior system. As the Land Warrior program nears fruition, the Army continues to advance the state of the art for wearable battlefield computers.