Abstract

Modern workplaces demand constant access to digital information, yet professionals still rely on fragmented tools that require switching between phones, laptops, and cloud- based systems, reducing efficiency and limiting hands-free productivity. Existing smart glasses often depend on tethered smartphones or continuous cloud connectivity, creating latency, reliability, and scalability challenges in professional environments. VA1 (Wearable Device), developed by Arian Kharazmi, Taka Kiuchi, and Leonardo Mangialardo for the University of Cincinnati 2026 Senior Capstone, addresses this gap through a fully integrated edge-computing wearable platform that operates independently. The system combines a Radxa Zero 2 Pro single-board computer, a Sony ECX336C micro-display, and a Linux-based operating environment to enable on-device processing. Central to the project is a Python-driven software architecture responsible for voice command recognition, hardware interfacing, workflow automation, API integration, and task execution. By integrating optional AI-based services with local processing, VA1 enables real-time voice interactions, point-of-view image capture, and intelligent notifications without reliance on external mobile devices. This open-source solution demonstrates how modular Python development and wearable edge computing can deliver a high-performance, self-contained smart device optimized for demanding occupational environments, establishing a scalable foundation for future professional wearable systems.