Remote Headsets Enhance Fieldwork during COVID-19

Integral Consulting scientists are using RealWear® headset technology to safely perform fieldwork while collaborating remotely with team members. During a recent field event, consultant Andrew Halmstad, P.E., wore the headset with an integrated HD camera on his hard hat, enabling hands-free communication of field conditions to staff in our offices.

Using the RealWear® headset, Integral’s Andrew Halmstad communicates information on soil core lithology to project team members in remote offices.

Mr. Halmstad and geologist Amber Lutey, R.G., were in the field installing monitoring wells to assess groundwater conditions. Using RealWear®, Halmstad could relay real-time video of the soil core to project team members—supporting rapid decision making on the ideal screen interval for monitoring well locations.

According to Sean Kosinski, P.Hg., the wireless headset promotes remote collaboration, making field operations more efficient. “As a project manager, I’m always looking for ways to enhance efficiency and reduce client costs,” he explains. “RealWear® seemed like a natural fit, especially during the pandemic where remote collaboration is critical.”

Kosinski started researching methods to enhance remote connectivity after the pandemic hit. Although staff previously had used their cell phones to communicate and share information, the hands-free feature of the headset, along with integration of Microsoft® Teams, is a game changer. It allows our staff to communicate field conditions to project managers and stakeholders rapidly and safely—reducing both downtime and travel-related expenses.

“I didn’t expect to have such an easy, hands-free way to show other team members the site conditions,” says Halmstad.

By providing a real-time view of the project site, and using an integrated Microsoft® Teams platform, staff can readily view conditions while having live conversations—leading to instant communication for better decisions.

The new tool is just one of the ways Integral is using innovative solutions to enhance service to our clients. For more information, contact Sean Kosinski at skosinski@integral-corp.com.