A US firm has developed a glove that allows soldiers to manipulate a computer and still be ready to fight.

The Handware Computer Input Device (PDF) from RallyPoint carries sensors on the fingertips that can control a belt-mounted computer viewed via a screen on the helmet.

Soldiers can switch between screens or open different radio channels using the sensors.

"Gesture commands are recognised by a suite of sensors that sense hand posture and orientation, and hands-on-weapon input actions are detected by thin, flexible force sensors strategically placed throughout the glove," said RallyPoint.

"These sensors and their supporting conduction network are fully integrated into the glove's fabric to maintain the look and feel of a conventional soldier glove."

It is envisioned that troops will be able to use the gloves to control battle computers while driving or even fighting.

Looking further ahead the gloves could include medical sensors which monitor heart rate and blood pressure, providing instant updates on troop conditions to senior officers.