by Brianna Crandall — March 9, 2016—Thermal imaging and threat detection technology innovator FLIR Systems has announced three new thermal imaging products and collaborations in recent weeks.
Cat S60 thermal imaging smartphone
FLIR most recently announced that Bullitt Group, a manufacturer of ruggedized smartphones, will integrate FLIR’s Lepton microcamera in the new Cat S60, creating what the company says is the world’s first thermal imaging smartphone.
The Cat S60 smartphone, part of the extensive Cat Phones lineup of ruggedized handsets, was unveiled at Mobile World Congress 2016 in Barcelona, Spain.
Leveraging FLIR’s Lepton microcamera core, which the company claims is the world’s smallest, lightest, and lowest cost microbolometer-based thermal imaging camera, the Android-based Cat S60 smartphone expands the capabilities of a smartphone.
With the ability to see in total darkness and visualize heat that is invisible to the naked eye, the Cat S60 allows users to measure surface temperature from a distance, detect heat loss around doors and windows, and spot moisture and missing insulation, making it an ideal smartphone for building professionals, electricians and first responders.
The Cat S60 also takes advantage of FLIR’s patented MSX technology, which embosses details from visible imagery onto thermal images, offering users more detailed and higher quality thermal imagery.
FLIR TG130 spot thermal camera
At the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), FLIR introduced its new compact FLIR TG130 spot thermal camera, featuring FLIR’s “revolutionary” low-cost Lepton microcamera core.
The FLIR TG130 spot thermal camera is an entry-level camera for a broad spectrum of home and small business applications. By simply pointing the TG130 at an object, anyone can identify energy and temperature-related issues within and around a structure. From finding drafts, detecting heat loss around doors and windows, or locating areas of missing insulation, the TG130 pinpoints problems and helps users increase a building’s energy efficiency.
The FLIR TG130 will be available worldwide through FLIR distributors and retailers in the first quarter of 2016. To learn more about FLIR’s Lepton-based products and FLIR’s vision of being the “World’s Sixth Sense,” read FLIR CEO Andy Teich’s blog post.
Zenmuse XT stabilized camera
FLIR announced earlier a new technology collaboration with drone industry leader DJI Innovations, and plans to develop their first joint product, the DJI Zenmuse XT stabilized camera featuring FLIR’s thermal imaging technology for DJI’s Inspire 1 and Matrice aerial platforms.
Combining DJI’s Zenmuse stabilized micro-gimbal technology, which has become a common platform for demanding aerial cinematography, with FLIR’s popular Tau 2 thermal imaging camera core, the Zenmuse XT will expand the possibilities for commercial drone operators and infrastructure inspectors. Using FLIR thermal imaging on small drones is intended to bring new capabilities to dozens of commercial applications, including search and rescue, firefighting, and the inspection of energy infrastructure, bridges and buildings.
The addition of thermal imaging provides users the ability to see in complete darkness, measure temperature remotely, and see through obscurants like smoke, dust, and light fog. Zenmuse XT users will have the unique ability to see minute temperature variances — normally invisible to the naked eye — that can signify potential problems in buildings, detect the presence of people or animals, and monitor the health of mechanical and electrical equipment remotely, says FLIR.
The camera’s integration with DJI’s Lightbridge live video downlink system and the DJI GO app will also give drone operators real-time control and recording during flight.
DJI’s popular Inspire 1 and Matrice airframes provide industry-leading aerial cinematography and development platforms. The same attributes that set these airframes apart for capturing “stunning” aerial video — stable flight performance, predictable flight execution, and seamless integration with the popular DJI Go app — also make them ideal thermal imaging platforms, says FLIR.
The Zenmuse XT will be available in early 2016 at both DJI and FLIR dealers.
