Ape stress monitored.

Flir thermal cameras are helping scientists at the University of Sussex (GB) to undertake groundbreaking stress studies in great apes. These advanced thermal cameras help ecologists see fluctuations in nose temperature, a known metric of stress levels. It is hoped the studies will aid researchers in a number of ways, including the identification of sanctuary chimpanzees and gorillas most suitable for release into the wild.

Among those pivotal in turning these ambitions into reality is lead researcher Gillian Forrester (PhD, SFHEA), Professor of Comparative Cognition at the university’s School of Psychology. “I look at the building blocks of cognition across evolutionary time: how we became the intelligent, walking, talking, tool-using great apes we are today,” she explains. “It’s effectively a proxy for looking at things we do and don’t share with our common ancestors.”

One factor shared across ancestral species is stress, in particular the way the biology of individuals reacts to stress.

“If we are stressed, overwhelmed or in fear, our face experiences a change in blood flow. Our nervous system reroutes the blood in our face to other sensory organs such eyes and ears - a physical reaction designed to help individuals look and listen for danger. A consequential side effect sees our nose get a little colder as blood moves away. We call it ‘nasal dip’ and it’s become an interesting avenue to explore in stress response and recovery.”

Assessing nasal dip using the translational capabilities of Flir thermal technology allows ecologists to overcome current scientific limitations. At present, assessing stress typically requires connecting subjects to heart monitors, blood pressure gauges or pulsometers, which is not only stress-inducing in itself but also clearly unsuitable for chimpanzees and gorillas.

In-field research.
The research team is working with wild animal parks in Britain and rescue sanctuaries for chimpanzees and gorillas in Africa. Most individuals housed at these sanctuaries have experienced previous trauma at some level.

“Evaluating their stress levels could allow us to better manage rehabilitation, identify suitable candidates for release and target those who aren’t so we can think about new kinds of interventions,” she explains. “It might even help identify a good adoptive mother for an incoming infant ape, for example.”

This research facilitated by Flir T1020 uncooled and A6301 cooled camera technology will assist the team in understanding the healthy/non-healthy range of nasal dip. It will also help discover how quickly individuals recover after a stress event, providing an indication of their resilience and self-regulation.

Beyond the visible.
Right from the start, Flir thermal cameras have proved to be the facilitating technology of this crucial research. The University of Sussex team initially used a Flir T450sc portable, easy-to-use infrared science camera. However, in early 2025, the ecologists migrated to the Flir T1020 (T1K), largely for its HD-quality thermal images, packing more detail than ever before into each image.

The research combines Flir’s uncooled TK1 and highly sensitive cooled A6301 cameras, each selected for different environments from field observations to controlled sanctuary studies.

“We’re going to use the two different types of sensor technology - uncooled and cooled - to suit certain data collection activities,” reveals Professor Forrester. “Both sensors have advantages, but we’ll use the highly sensitive, cooled MWIR sensor of the Flir A6301 to achieve an extra level of image detail in static studies.”

At the sanctuary, a screen next to the enclosure will play videos that elicit either a negative (stress) or a positive response. If an individual ape voluntarily wanders forward to watch the video, the research team will have a static Flir A6301 cooled camera set up to study nasal dip.

Region of interest.
Notably, the Flir cooled thermal cameras also allow Professor Forrester and her team to create a region of interest on the face from which to collect data. To ensure suitability, the ecologists require a threshold of at least 50 pixels per area of interest, which is where the high resolution of the Flir A6301 proves vital. Furthermore, the higher sensitivity (3-5 µm) of these cooled cameras enables researchers to detect breathing/respiration as a thermal image, providing another biological measure of interest.

Along with static studies using cooled thermal cameras, the ecologists in Sierra Leone will undertake ‘focal follow’ research, looking at the normal behaviour of individual apes as they move around the sanctuary throughout the day.

“Here we’ll use the uncooled Flir T1K thermal camera because we can walk around with it, reach different sides of the enclosure and climb observation platforms,” says Professor Forrester. “It has a highly effective zoom, which will definitely prove useful in 2026 when we visit Uganda to work with our first group of habituated wild chimpanzees. We’ll track them through their natural habitat with the Flir T1K and capture samples of their stress levels.”

Thermal Ecology Kit.
To bring even more advantages to research of this type, Thermal Vision Ecology - sister company to Flir distributor Thermal Vision Research - recently began developing its Thermal Ecology Kit, a mobile thermography system designed specifically for ecological surveys. The kit features a Flir cooled or uncooled camera with multiple lens options connected to a tripod and battery pack offering six hours of power. The entire system connects to a Windows tablet pre-installed with Flir Research Studio, an advanced thermal analysis software suite offering a simplified workflow for displaying, recording and evaluating data.

The kit proved successful in bat studies and was duly recommended to Professor Forrester and her team for the great ape research. Alongside easier wildlife recording, faster post-survey reporting times and increased field safety, there is no need to hold a camera for hours at a time. With its backpack design and plug & play functionality, the system is convenient to transport and use.

“Using the Thermal Ecology Kit allowed us to replace bulkier and more inflexible kit that we used for a previous field study in Gabon,” says Professor Forrester. “We use the kit with the addition of a GoPro camera because, alongside the thermal image, we need synchronous natural-light RGB video to identify individuals. Whether using a Flir cooled or uncooled camera, we mount the GoPro on top to attain the same vantage point and provide synchronous data.”

As for the next challenge, the ecology research team at the University of Sussex hopes to work with Flir experts again to develop specific software tools for data sampling. This activity will bring even more benefits to ecologists as they continue to seek greater understanding about the role of biological determinants in monitoring stress.

Professor Gillian Forrester and her team

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@flir @mepaxIntPR  #Research #TandM

Automation subsidiary opens in North Africa.

WIKA has expanded its footprint in North Africa with a new subsidiary in Casablanca, Morocco. The measurement technology manufacturer has been supporting its existing customers across the Maghreb region from this location, while also driving its sales activities since early December (2025).

This step is part of WIKA’s strategy to operate with agility worldwide through local facilities. By being closer to customers and partners on site, the company aims to process orders even more efficiently and deliver the highest level of service.

“The opening of the subsidiary in Morocco marks an important milestone in our regional growth strategy,” says Marcel Frei, Senior Vice President South Europe at WIKA. “Our local presence enables us to offer customers even more flexible, personalised support and to strengthen collaboration with regional partners. All of this increases WIKA’s visibility in North Africa – and helps us to unlock new market potential.”

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@WIKANews #PAuto #Morocco

LIMS in Africa.

Autoscribe Informatics has appointed Axis Solutions Africa as our distributor in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi to sell, configure and support the Matrix family of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) products. 

Amiel Matindike-Executive Director and
Brian Mukudzavhu-MD Axis Solutions Africa

With Head Office in Harare (ZW), Axis Solutions Africa provide a range of technology services and consulting solutions, including Healthcare and Clinical systems, HIV, CD4 and Syphilis Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits, Data Centre Solutions, Fiscalization Solutions, Network and Security, Infrastructure Management, Manage Engine Solutions, Mobile Solutions and Software Development to clients across the region.

Steve Boother, Managing Director at Autoscribe Informatics, said “In order to grow our market in Southern Africa we needed to find a distributor that knew laboratories and appreciated the power that software/informatics solutions can bring. Its software system knowledge and location in one of Africa’s growing economies makes Axis Solutions Africa an ideal choice.”

Matrix Gemini LIMS is particularly suitable to this market because of its unique ability to be configured, with no changes to underlying software code, for a wide range of industries. This feature provides the ability to modify screen designs, terminology, reports, workflows and more, within the LIMS to quickly meet user requirements. This allows Axis Solutions Africa to tailor LIMS solutions to the exact needs of individual laboratories in their local markets.

Axis Solutions Africa has offices in Harare  and Bulawayo (ZW), Lusaka (Z), Blantyre (MW), and Maputo (MOC).

The Managing Director, Brian Mukudzavhu said “Axis Solutions, leveraging on its vast ICT experience which spans over two decades and its footprint in Southern Africa, has partnered with Autoscribe Informatics to drive business growth by transforming the Laboratory processes of many industries through LIMS. Matrix Gemini LIMS can be customized to suit the needs of every client, hence creating value to the business.”

@AutoscribeLtd @axis_africa #TandM #Medical #Laboratory #LIMS

LIMS driving Automation and efficiency.

The Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia (MRCG) is a major center for medical research excellence in West Africa.

The MRGC has chosen Matrix Gemini LIMS to manage data in its laboratories.* The LIMS links with the in-house Electronic Medical Records System (EMRS), and multiple equipment and instruments systems in its three major (core) laboratories to improve the efficiency and performance of their operations. The LIMS also provides statistical data to help the senior leadership team drive laboratory efficiency.

Established in 1947 MRCG is the Britain’s single largest investment in medical research in a developing country and is internationally recognized for its track record of research into tropical infectious diseases. MRCG represents a unique concentration of scientific expertise and high-quality research platforms in the West African region.

Matrix Gemini LIMS has become part of the core systems platform on which internal and visiting scientists do their research. It is used in the clinical, serology, and tuberculosis (TB) laboratories in Fajara. Integration with the EMRS allows sample requests to be sent directly to the laboratories by the clinic.

MRCG chose Matrix Gemini LIMS after a detailed evaluation process, prompting the customer to say “Matrix Gemini LIMS was flexible enough to meet our broad clinical and biomedical research needs. Matrix Gemini LIMS enables us to extract the management KPIs we need to evaluate and improve our performance over time.”

The laboratory staff themselves manage the collection of samples from the patient, as well as the testing and validation of those samples. All these processes are currently being captured through the LIMS. Many of the key laboratory instruments have been connected directly to the LIMS. This automates result capture and avoids transcription errors. After validation and approval of the data, clinicians receive notification of the results from the LIMS via the EMRS.

“With a well-educated and expanding population, Africa represents an exciting growth opportunity for LIMS,” said Tim Daniels, Marketing Manager at Autoscribe Informatics. “Our expanding distributor network in the region, its proximity in terms of time-zone to the UK, and the flexibility of Matrix Gemini LIMS, makes Autoscribe ideally placed among leading LIMS vendors for this market.” 

The system is now live in MRCG’s main campus and will be rolled out to the MRCG field teams in due course. 

 *The case study: MRCG at LSHTM Chooses Matrix Gemini LIMS to Drive Automation and Efficiency

@AutoscribeLtd @AutoscribeCorp @mrcunitgambia #Medical #LIMS #TheGambia 

Distributor to cover Africa appointed.

Further expanding its growing distributor network Autoscribe Informatics has appointed Sciencescope Ltd. as a distributor in Africa. Based in Kenya, Sciencescope will distribute and support the Matrix family of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) products. Sciencescope sells to and supports biomedical and other laboratories across East and Central Africa from its office in Nairobi.

“Africa’s fast-growing population and markets represent an important area of growth for Autoscribe Informatics”, said Steve Boother, Managing Director at Autoscribe Informatics. “Increased use of technology and regulation across many industries will inevitably require improved proof of compliance and audit trails that LIMS provides.”

Sciencescope will be able to sell the Matrix Gemini LIMS product line to laboratories across a wide range of industries including biomedical, petrochemical, water, environmental and food.

“Africa is the next frontier for LIMS technology”, said Chetan Hindocha, CEO at Sciencescope. “We are excited to be at the forefront of innovation within laboratories in Africa, better tracking samples and associated data through laboratories, connecting together pools of data from laboratory instruments and external sources, and automating QC and regulatory processes”.

Matrix Gemini LIMS is particularly suitable to this market because of its unique ability to be configured with no changes to underlying software code, for a wide range of industries. This feature provides the ability to modify screen designs, terminology, reports, workflows and more, within the LIMS to quickly meet user requirements. Sciencescope and their clients will be able to tailor LIMS solutions to the needs of each individual laboratory, whatever their local requirements.

#LIMS @AutoscribeLtd #Africa

Dew point application in Power Station.

The sensor exchange programme, which Michell offers to its dew-point transmitter customers, helped win a major order for dew-point transmitters from a power station in Africa.

The operators wanted to reduce the costs and maintenance time for their hydrogen-cooled electricity generators. One of their major costs was in the maintenance of their moisture sensors which had to be returned to the manufacturer for recalibration and refurbishment. As this could take up to 3 months, a stock of spare sensors was needed to ensure the process could be kept running continuously. The high cost of the necessary stock of backup moisture transmitters greatly increased their overhead.

They selected Michell’s Easidew PRO I.S. dew point transmitters, as an alternative to their usual supplier. As well as its fast response and wide measurement range, the transmitter is part of their sensor exchange programme. This programme is a cost effective way to keep processes running while ensuring the measurement integrity of the moisture transmitters – and there is no need for the additional expense of carrying extra stock of sensors.

The sensor exchange programme is available for the full range of the Easidew Dew-Point Transmitters, as well as the Pura Trace Moisture Transmitters. Customers who sign up to the programme benefit from what is essentially a life time warranty for their transmitters.

The Easidew PRO I.S. dew-point transmitter has a measurement range from -100 to +20°C dew point, with an accuracy of ±1°C. It is also certified for installation in hazardous areas around the world, including ATEX, IECEx and CSA approvals.

• Michell products are marketed in Ireland by Instrument Technology.

 @Michell_Inst #PAuto #Africa

New water pipeline & pump infrastructure to support economic growth in eastern Botswana!

Power and automation solution for water facility in Southern Africa

ABB has won an order to provide an instrumentation, control system and electrical equipment (ICE) package for a new water pipeline and pump station to be constructed in eastern Botswana to support growing demand driven by new mining ventures, power sector developments and a growing population around the capital, Gaborone.

Typical Symphony Plus Control Room

As part of the turnkey solution, ABB will supply its Symphony™Plus total plant automation system to monitor and control the pump stations and reservoirs located along the 360 km water network. The Symphony Plus architecture enables aggregation of data across distributed geographies and is ideal for applications such as the expansive Botswana water network. It is also specifically designed to reduce engineering time and effort from custom development, and minimizes commissioning time and risk of misconfiguration during startup. The integrated system has provisions for local and remote monitoring and control of the entire plant.

ABB will also supply an ICE package and a range of products including motors and drives, switchgear, transformers and instrumentation equipment to maximize the operational efficiency of the system. "Water resources are crucial to support economic development in this emerging nation” said Massimo Danieli, head of ABB’s Power Generation business, part of the company’s Power Systems division. "We will leverage the breadth of our portfolio, project management expertise and global domain experience to optimize this water facility, ensuring efficiency and reliability of supplies.”

The overall water project is being executed by a joint venture comprising the Middle East-based construction firm Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC), and the South African construction and engineering group Wilson Bayly Holmes-Ovcon (WBHO). It is scheduled for completion in 2014.

Level off West Africa

Emerson’s Rosemount® Guided Wave Radar enables accurate and reliable level measurements in challenging process conditions off the west coast of Africa

BP Exploration has replaced unreliable level transmitters previously used on a floating production, storage and off-loading (FPSO) vessel with guided wave radar (GWR) transmitters from Emerson Process Management. The more accurate and reliable level readings from Emerson’s Rosemount® 5300 Series GWR transmitters have helped BP Exploration increase safety, reduce shutdowns and increase production.

Operating 160 km (100 miles) off the west coast of Africa, the BP FPSO processes and stores oil production for export. At 310 metres in length, it has an oil storage capacity of 1.77 million barrels and can process up to 240,000 barrels per day.

Changing process conditions and the presence of foam and vapour, as well as dirty sticky fluids, made this a difficult application for measuring level. The original GWR transmitters (supplied by another vendor) had compatibility issues with the FPSO’s FOUNDATION fieldbus network, and their limited capabilities in detecting low-dielectric hydrocarbons required coaxial probes to increase the strength of the surface signal. Such probes are susceptible to the build-up of sticky solid materials entrained within the production fluid, which led to a significant number of unplanned shutdowns with resulting lost production.

To address these issues, BP Exploration worked with Emerson to replace existing GWR units with Rosemount 5300 GWRs. With Emerson’s advanced signal-processing technology that ensures detection of low dielectric fluids, the Rosemount GWR is able to send and receive a cleaner, stronger signal. This allows the use of single-lead probes that increase tolerance to solids build-up and coating, and eliminate trips due to false readings. In addition, the Rosemount 5300’s FOUNDATION fieldbus interface made installation and configuration both quick and easy.

The improved level detection enabled by the new instruments has also helped BP Exploration improve safety. The susceptibility of the existing GWRs to material build-up on the co-axial probes and their inability to distinguish the presence of a light hydrocarbon layer on top of the water meant that the level measurements were unreliable. This unreliability compromised one of the layers of protection used to ensure safe operations.

Following the installation of the Rosemount 5300 GWR transmitters, the process data has confirmed the accuracy and reliability of the instruments and their suitability for the widely varying process conditions of the FPSO.

Into Africa!

Centre of excellence to support clients in North and Francaphone Africa

Invensys Operations Management has opened a new facility in Algiers (DZ), strengthening its commitment to clients in the North African market. The new location will serve as the company's regional sales and operations headquarters. It features an engineering excellence centre, modernised staging area, technology showcase centre and a training and customer support service centre, ensuring support to local project deployment.

Algeria is fundamental to world oil and gas markets as a major exporter of crude oil, piped natural gas, LNG and petroleum products, and it accounts for one-quarter of EU gas imports. Approximately 90 percent of the nation's crude oil exports go to Western Europe, with Italy as the main market followed by Germany and France.

Invensys has been very active in North Africa and the Middle East and is rapidly expanding in the region. "As a leading provider of industrial automation systems and services, Invensys recognizes Algeria's immense potential, especially in the oil and gas sectors. We are pleased to contribute to the nation's plans to invest and build effective and efficient systems for a sustainable future," said Teemu Tunkelo, president, Invensys Operations Management, Europe, Russia and Africa. "Our new facility will enable us to better serve our valued customers in Algeria and North Africa, leveraging our global organization's 100 years of experience providing innovation, technology and world-class automation solutions."
The expansion of Invensys Operations Management in Algeria also reflects the company's innovative approach to human resource management. Training local employees and those of its customers in advanced control engineering will help Algeria efficiently develop the country's oil and gas reserves while meeting sustainability targets.

"We are very optimistic about our future in Algeria, and we look forward to helping our clients drive real-time business and performance optimization," said Mohamed Hales, Invensys Operations Management's general director for Algeria. "Invensys aims to be the unquestioned industry leader by creating long-term success for our clients and their customers, and we remain committed to accelerating knowledge transfer programs that will contribute to Algeria's development and progress."