WT41N0 thumbnail 1
On display
Image of Gallery in South Kensington

This object consists of 20 parts, some of which may be located elsewhere.

WT41N0

Wearable Terminal
2013 (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The Motorola WT41N0 is a labour-saving device used by Tesco, Shoe Zone and other retailers. It is designed to increase accuracy and efficiency in warehouses. Connected to a network, the Windows-based microcomputer distributes tasks and tracks their completion. Wearing the device on the wrist or at the hip, the worker uses a finger-mounted scanner or voice-control headset to record activity. If an error is made they receive immediate feedback.

Devices such as the WT41N0 make possible a new type of work where the organisation of goods and deployment of staff is entrusted to a computerised system. Weighing less than 400g, it is ergonomically designed for prolonged use. Wearable technologies in the workplace hit headlines in February 2013 when newspapers revealed that the performance of warehouse workers was being monitored using data from devices like this one.


On 14 February 2013 The Telegraph newspaper published allegations made by a former employee at a Tesco distribution centre in Ireland. He claimed that data collected from wrist-worn devices was being used to grade staff performance, with those not meeting expectations being called before the boss. This story was the second in a week in the national press to draw attention to wearable computing devices and their impact on the work environment. On 8 February 2013, The Financial Times ran an article on working conditions at the eight Amazon warehouses located across the UK. Employees interviewed at the Rugeley site complained of the blisters developed as they strove to fulfil tasks allocated via handheld computers.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 20 parts.

  • Computer Terminals
  • Computer Terminals
  • Computer Terminals
  • Computer Terminals
  • Computer Terminals
  • Chargers
  • Headsets
  • Holders
  • Computer Terminals
  • Computer Terminals
  • Computer Terminals
  • Cable
  • Cable
  • Cable
  • Battery Chargers
  • Computer Terminals
  • Rubber
  • Rubber
  • Leaflets
  • Computer Terminals
TitleWT41N0 (manufacturer's title)
Materials and techniques
Plastic
Brief description
Motorola WT41NO Wearable Terminal with scanner and headset attachments, 2013
Physical description
Wearable Terminal, Motorola WT41NO Wearable Terminal with scanner and headset attachments. Rectangular electronic device with screen. The device attaches to the users arm with a strap a scanner attaches to the wearers index finger and is attached to the main device by a cable.
Dimensions
  • Height: 9.5cm
  • Width: 15cm
  • Depth: 5cm
Production typeMass produced
Gallery label
(2021)
A robot as my colleague

Online shopping is radically changing the high street, and with it, the nature of retail work. To meet demand for next-day deliveries, retailers are using technology to boost efficiency in their warehouses. Robots used in Amazon distribution centres bring shelves with products to workers, reducing walking time and increasing capacity. Elsewhere, wrist-worn computers provide employees with automated instructions on which products to collect, scan and pack, and give immediate feedback. While automation speeds up order processing and reduces the potential for error, it also changes how we work and who we work with.

Wrist-worn computer
Motorola WT41N0, 2013
Designed by and manufactured for Motorola Solutions, USA
Plastic case, textile strap and electronic components
Given by Symbol Technologies, Inc.
Museum no. CD.39:1 to 5-2014

Amazon warehouse robot
2020
Designed by Amazon Robotics, USA Metal casing and electronic components On loan from Amazon Services UK Museum no. LOAN:DAD.1-2021

The object sits in the 'Automation and Labour' section of the Design 1900-Now gallery opened in June 2021.
(May 2018)
From Future Starts Here

WT41N0 Wearable Terminal
Motorola
2012
13
A HANDS-FREE COMPUTER THAT KEEPS TABS ON EMPLOYEES
Used by retailers such as Tesco and Amazon, this wearable micro-computer allocates tasks to warehouse workers and confirms their completion. Staff use an attached finger-mounted scanner or a voice-controlled headset to record activity, receiving immediate feedback if an error is made. While these devices may make workforces more efficient, they can also erode personal value and self-esteem by routinising every aspect of the job.
Commercially available product.
Plastic, textile and electronics
Given by Symbol Technologies, Inc.
V&A: NCOL.250-2016
(02.07.2014)
23.05.2014

The Motorola ‘WT41N0’ is a labour-saving device used by Tesco, Shoe Zone and other retailers. It is designed to increase accuracy and efficiency in warehouses. Connected to a network, the Windows based microcomputer distributes tasks and tracks their completion. Wearing the device on the wrist or at the hip, the worker uses a finger-mounted scanner or voice-control headset to record activity. If an error is made they receive immediate feedback. Devices such as the ‘WT41N0’ make possible a new type of work where the organisation of goods and deployment of staff is entrusted to a computerised system. Weighing less than 400g and ergonomically designed for prolonged use, this wearable technology is a reality for thousands of working people in the UK. Wearable technologies in the workplace hit headlines in February 2013 when newspapers revealed that warehouse workers were being monitored and graded on the basis of data from devices like this one.

Motorola ‘WT41N0’ wearable terminal
2013
Designed in Long Island, USA
Designed and manufactured by Motorola
Solutions, Inc.
Plastic, rubber and electronics
Given by Motorola Solutions, Inc.
Museum no. CD.39-2014
Credit line
Given by Symbol Technologies, Inc.
Summary
The Motorola WT41N0 is a labour-saving device used by Tesco, Shoe Zone and other retailers. It is designed to increase accuracy and efficiency in warehouses. Connected to a network, the Windows-based microcomputer distributes tasks and tracks their completion. Wearing the device on the wrist or at the hip, the worker uses a finger-mounted scanner or voice-control headset to record activity. If an error is made they receive immediate feedback.

Devices such as the WT41N0 make possible a new type of work where the organisation of goods and deployment of staff is entrusted to a computerised system. Weighing less than 400g, it is ergonomically designed for prolonged use. Wearable technologies in the workplace hit headlines in February 2013 when newspapers revealed that the performance of warehouse workers was being monitored using data from devices like this one.


On 14 February 2013 The Telegraph newspaper published allegations made by a former employee at a Tesco distribution centre in Ireland. He claimed that data collected from wrist-worn devices was being used to grade staff performance, with those not meeting expectations being called before the boss. This story was the second in a week in the national press to draw attention to wearable computing devices and their impact on the work environment. On 8 February 2013, The Financial Times ran an article on working conditions at the eight Amazon warehouses located across the UK. Employees interviewed at the Rugeley site complained of the blisters developed as they strove to fulfil tasks allocated via handheld computers.
Collection
Accession number
CD.39:1 to 19-2014

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdApril 1, 2014
Record URL
Download as: JSON