iKey designs customized, wearable keyboard for SpecOps Systems
SpecOps Systems, Inc. has a unique mission: designing rugged, wearable computer technology to provide enhanced situational awareness of the battle space for military soldiers to use in the field. Their WC2 computer system performs like an extremely powerful desktop computer, but is designed to be worn and carried by a soldier during live action for extended periods of time.
In the summer of 2009, a SpecOps Systems customer asked for a WC2 computer with an integrated keyboard. The keyboard had to be small enough to fit within the system, while maintaining the durability required for extensive use in harsh environments. SpecOps Systems turned to iKey for a solution.
"We saw that iKey had experience with the military and they had a unit similar to what we wanted," said Caroline Tucker, Executive Vice President of Sales and Business Development for SpecOps Systems. "The thing that impressed us the most about iKey was that we told them what we needed, and quickly had a conference call to discuss the details. Literally, within 24 hours, we had a prototype drawing. It was this focus on the customer that led us to go with iKey rather than any other vendor - we knew we had found a vendor who embraced our requirements."
Seven weeks after the initial conference call, SpecOps Systems had a working prototype of the KYB-170-OEM, an ultra-compact keyboard measuring only 2.55" x 2.75" x 0.22" (w-h-d) that is packed with functionality. The initial prototype was delivered as "production ready" within the required timeframe, without a need for engineering changes to the firmware, printed circuit board or mechanical drawings.
"iKey was great to work with," Tucker said. "They really seemed to care about getting the product right for our customer, and they understood our time constraints."
Features on the KYB-170-OEM include a 17-key keypad that functions just like a cellular phone does when texting. Characters are accessed by pressing the appropriate key sequentially until the desired character is produced. It also features an integrated micro Force Sensing Resistor (FSR) pointing device and can be manufactured with any available color of LED lighting for use in dark environments.
The KYB-170-OEM is completely sealed to NEMA 4X specifications, which means it is resistant to dirt, dust, liquids and other ingress when properly installed. It is available with a USB cable and is designed to meet MIL-STD-461E requirements.
Several models of the WC2 featuring the integrated keyboard are now undergoing dual testing in theater and stateside. Meanwhile, iKey now offers the KYB-170-OEM as a standard product. iKey also continues to design customized, rugged peripheral solutions that meet the specific needs of customers.
Source: iKey
More from Digital Battlespace
-
NATO innovation programme doubles in size
DIANA has been leveraging its accelerator programme and test centre network to bring end users together with start-ups, scientific researchers and technology companies for the development of dual-use technological defence and security solutions.
-
DARPA awards AI contracts
The US has been working to out how to use and defend against AI with DARPA alone outlining in 2008 ‘AI Next’ programme with US$2 billion committed to advance the science of AI.
-
Finding your space
Digital mapping and geolocation have become critical to battlespace users, and ensuring the best content is delivered is vital.
-
Why the US would struggle to overcome Russia’s nuclear anti-satellite weapon
Russia's move to develop a nuclear anti-satellite weapon has highlighted US anxieties over space combat readiness, challenging the Pentagon's strategic defences in a potential cosmic battleground.
-
China’s AI developments in electronic surveillance extends to battlefield
‘Nowhere to hide’ as Chinese progress in AI-enabled surveillance technological has enabled it to identify and suppress enemy communications systems.
-
Boeing wins $440 million contract for 12th Wideband Global SATCOM satellite
Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellites have been supporting the US DoD’s warfighting information exchange requirements, enabling execution of tactical C4ISR, battlefield management and combat support information.