When Symbol Technologies came out with the first wearable computer it was known as the Gladiator. It was worn on the forearm and with its wireless capabilities freed up the hands of warehouse workers to process orders.

Battling for higher productivity, those warehouse users were the early adopters of this technology which is projected to clear $550 million in the warehouse and elsewhere by 2006, says analyst firm Venture Development Corp. (www.vdc-corp.com). Helping to drive growth in industrial applications will be speech recognition and head-worn displays. Internet-centric and personal digital assistant-centric functionality are also expected to play a role.