Asset condition assessment streamlined.

Thermal imaging cameras to bring AI-driven asset condition assessment directly onto the camera.

Flir has announced the worldwide availability of the MentorLens® app by MentorAPM on its professional-grade iXX-Series thermal imaging cameras, bringing AI-driven asset condition assessment directly onto the camera. Developed by MentorAPM, a provider of asset performance management software for critical infrastructure, the app allows maintenance and reliability teams to capture nameplate, condition and thermal imagery on a single device and send it straight to the asset record, without the file transfers and manual data entry that have long slowed condition monitoring programs.*

In industrial operations, the value of a thermal inspection is determined less by the image itself than by what happens to it afterward. Files are moved from an SD card to a laptop, thermal metadata is altered or lost along the way, and findings end up in a folder rather than in the system where maintenance work is actually planned. Running natively on the iXX-Series, the MentorLens app removes that handoff. Images upload from the camera directly to the asset record with their thermal data intact, and technicians can create new assets or update existing ones without leaving the camera. All Flir imaging and hardware controls remain available, including MSX, palette selection, lamp and laser, so the same device that captures the thermogram also captures the nameplate photo and the condition photo.

Once the images are synced, MentorLens processes them automatically. Nameplate and tag data is transcribed into standard asset attributes, visual imagery is scored for condition, and thermal imagery is measured against operating baselines taken from the asset's own nameplate data or from manufacturer manuals. Reports return observed anomalies, temperature readings and recommended actions, and because previous assessments for the same asset are carried into the analysis, degradation is tracked across inspections rather than judged one image at a time.

“Customers don't need more inspection data. They need actionable information that helps them prevent downtime and make better maintenance decisions," said John Gould, Sr. Director of Strategic Business Development, FLIR. "With MentorAPM integrated into the iXX-Series workflow, thermal findings become part of a broader asset health picture. Data is automatically evaluated against previous conditions and delivered to the teams responsible for maintenance planning, enabling earlier intervention and more effective predictive maintenance programs.”

For the wider organisation, the benefits go beyond the inspection itself. Condition and thermal results feed the MentorLens platform, where rules can automatically trigger preventive work orders and where condition history, work history and SCADA events are held against the same asset record. Reports are exported as standardised PDFs, and the underlying data can be pushed by API into an existing CMMS or EAM system, so operators are not obliged to change their system of record in order to benefit. Every AI-assisted workflow keeps a human in the loop, with a person confirming what is committed against the asset.

“For most operators the hardest part of asset management is still the most basic one, which is knowing what you own and what condition it is in,” added Tacoma Zach, CEO of MentorAPM. “Putting our app on the iXX-Series means high-quality thermal data now enters that picture at the point of capture, from the same technician and the same device. In plants where downtime is measured in millions of dollars an hour, the payback on that is very quick.”

First proven in water and wastewater utilities, the combined solution is now being adopted in manufacturing, metals, and oil and gas, where thermographic inspection has typically been outsourced to specialist contractors at considerable expense. MentorAPM reports that customers using MentorLens achieve up to 10x faster field data collection and cost savings of more than 75 percent against conventional condition assessment methods. The MentorLens app is available worldwide now for Flir iXX-Series users with a MentorAPM subscription.

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* Both companies will present the integration at the SMRP 34th Annual Conference, held 28 September to 1 October 2026 at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh (NC USA). Tacoma Zach, CEO of MentorAPM, leads an Innovation Lab session titled "From Camera to Asset Intelligence: AI Workflows for Reliability Teams" on Tuesday 29 September, 1:15 to 2:15 PM ET, in Innovation Lab #3. The session walks through practical workflows using MentorLens with Flir thermal cameras to capture equipment information, analyse visual and thermal conditions and generate structured asset intelligence automatically. John Gould of Teledyne FLIR joins the session to discuss the iXX-Series.

@flir @MentorAPM  @mepaxIntPR  #PAuto #Manufacturing

Seeing the Unseen: Thermal imaging in the tunnel.

In the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) sector, the ultimate metric of success is not a headline-making emergency response - it is preventing an initial anomaly from escalating into a disaster.

From preventing catastrophic fires in underground infrastructure to helping municipalities optimize complex intersections, Teledyne Flir has established itself as a deeply cemented pillar of transport safety. Following its acquisition of traffic technology pioneer Traficon, Teledyne Flir’s incident-detection technology—encompassing thermal imaging, video analytics, and advanced detection systems—is now deployed in more than 4,000 tunnels worldwide.

In a recent comprehensive interview with Zag Daily (publication for sustainable mobility and innovation), Stefaan Pinck, Vice President of Global Business Development at Teledyne Flir, outlined how advances in sensing and analytics are fundamentally changing how operators manage traffic, protect vulnerable road users, and prepare for a connected, autonomous future.

The turning point in tunnel safety.
The imperative for rapid incident detection inside tunnels was tragically underscored in the late 1990s by the Mont Blanc tunnel fire, which claimed 39 lives. This event served as a catalyst for the industry, shifting the focus of video analytics toward automatic incident detection designed to prevent secondary accidents.

“The objective is not only to detect incidents but also to prevent secondary accidents,” explains Pinck. “If an incident is detected quickly, operators can close the tunnel, activate warning signs and alert approaching drivers before they enter a dangerous situation.”

Today, while stopped vehicles, accidents, and objects on the roadway remain the most common incidents operators monitor—with pedestrians and wrong-way drivers presenting additional, critical safety concerns—fire detection remains the most vital application.

Seconds save lives.
In the harsh, enclosed environment of a tunnel, conventional cameras and traditional fire detection systems often fall short. Traditional linear heat detection can take several minutes to trigger an alarm—a delay that allows fires to grow beyond the point of effective intervention and causes severe structural damage.

Thermal imaging bypasses these limitations. By detecting heat emitted by objects rather than relying on visible light, thermal cameras operate flawlessly in total darkness, glaring light, and heavy smoke.

“Our systems can typically detect a fire within 10 to 15 seconds,” Pinck notes. Early detection grants operators the crucial window needed to warn drivers, halt incoming traffic, and deploy emergency services before conditions deteriorate.

"Success is measured by the tunnel incidents that don’t happen rather than the incidents that make headlines." 

Elevating the intersection.
Beyond subterranean environments, Teledyne Flir’s analytics are transforming above-ground traffic management. Originally utilized simply to replace inductive loops for basic vehicle presence, modern sensors now generate rich, three-dimensional tracking data.

Current systems can classify and track the real-time position, speed, and direction of pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooter riders, cars, and heavy transport. This allows traffic signal controllers to make highly contextual decisions. For instance, rather than forcing a heavy goods vehicle to stop, intelligent systems can hold a green light—improving traffic flow while simultaneously reducing the elevated emissions and fuel consumption caused by large vehicles stopping and starting.

Protecting vulnerable road users (VRUs).
When adverse conditions like poor weather, deep shadows, or inconsistent street lighting make pedestrians and cyclists invisible to both drivers and visual-light cameras, thermal imaging provides an uncompromised line of sight.

As the industry moves toward vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, infrastructure-based sensing will become the ultimate safety net. While connected vehicles will increasingly broadcast their own positions, vulnerable road users cannot be expected to carry connected devices or maintain mobile phone batteries just to ensure their own safety.

“From a public policy perspective, safety systems must protect everyone, not only those who own specific devices,” says Pinck to Zag Daily. “That is where infrastructure becomes essential. It acts as an independent source of environmental awareness.”

Purpose-built for the environment. Because transport infrastructure presents unique operational extremes, Teledyne Flir designs both its hardware and analytics in-house. Tunnel systems are ruggedized against corrosive environments, water ingress, and intensive cleaning regimens.

Conversely these traffic sensors feature a compact, ball-shaped design. Originally conceived by the founder to be visually unobtrusive and mitigate public privacy concerns by avoiding a "surveillance" look, the design yields massive operational benefits. The aerodynamic shape sheds wind during storms, keeps lenses clean via airflow, prevents snow accumulation, and even stops spiders from building webs across the lens.

Ultimately, whether deployed at a bustling intersection or deep within a mountain tunnel, the technology serves a singular purpose: proactive mitigation.

"Success is measured by the tunnel incidents that don’t happen rather than the incidents that make headlines." — Stefaan Pinck

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@flir  @mepaxIntPR @ZagDaily #Transport #Safety #PAuto

Reliability throughout the whole enterprise.

From outer perimeter to inner rack: for a data centre operator, risk rarely comes down to a single system or department

For a data centre operator, risk rarely comes down to a single system or department. It can begin with a cut fence, an intruder approaching a substation, an alarm no one trusted enough to investigate, or a rack that ran hot overnight. The cause may be different, but the consequence is often the same: an interruption to operations that can be costly. More than half of significant data centre outages can now cost a company over $100,000,(€86k) and roughly one in five exceed $1 million (861k), according to the Uptime Institute's 2024 Annual Outage Analysis.

The challenge is that the industry tends to sell protection the way it is organized internally: one function at a time, with perimeter security pitched to the Security Director, substation protection routed to facilities, and rack thermal monitoring and inspection left to reliability engineering. A VP of Operations, however, is responsible for uptime across the entire site, making the fence and the rack part of the same operational risk conversation.

Reliability, not another security line item.
Perimeter detection, electrical monitoring, alarm management, and rack inspections may fall under different departments, but they all serve the same basic purpose: identifying problems early enough to prevent them from affecting operations.

A perimeter breach, for example, often begins as a security event. If the intruder reaches a substation or other critical equipment, it quickly becomes an uptime issue. Security may investigate the incident, but the operational impact will be measured by lost capacity, service disruption, and recovery time. Bringing these controls into a single program gives operators a more complete view of the risk they manage. It also helps reduce the gaps that appear when each department plans, purchases, and operates its systems independently.

Following the risk from the fence inward.
At the outer edge of a property, data centres can stretch for miles of dark, lightly staffed perimeter. Much of that darkness is by design. Many sites are built as low-light facilities to avoid adding light pollution to the surrounding area, which is good for neighboring communities but leaves conventional cameras with little to work with. Thermal imaging removes that dependency, reading the heat signature of a person or vehicle in complete darkness. Detecting movement early matters because the farther a potential threat travels into the site, the less time an operator has to assess and respond.

The solution can be a multilayered security approach, beginning with a radar system such as the Flir R-190/R-290 detecting movement as it approaches or crosses the perimeter. It works in concert with both the bi-spectral FH-Series Ai thermal/visible cameras and the bi-spectral Elara DX-Series thermal/visible PTZ cameras to verify the activity and continue tracking it. Instead of relying on a single sensor or an isolated alarm, the operator receives multiple sources of information that help determine whether the event requires action.

Those detections can feed into Flir Latitude VMS, giving the control room a common view of the event. Flir Nexus® connects sensors and systems so that information gathered at the fence reaches the person responding.

Moving deeper into the property, the substation is one of the most important points of exposure. The equipment feeding power to the data halls is essential to the operation, yet it is often less visible than the systems inside the building.

Fixed radiometric thermal cameras can continuously monitor transformers, electrical connections, and other energized equipment for abnormal temperature changes. While technicians could miss a loose or deteriorating connection during a visual inspection, an infrared camera detects the heat it produces well before the equipment fails. That allows the operations team to investigate and make repairs during a planned maintenance window rather than responding after an outage.

Inside the data hall, the available response time becomes even shorter. GPU-dense racks can draw several times the power of the traditional 8 to 12 kW rack, creating more heat in a smaller space. Under those conditions, a cooling issue or component failure that developed over several days could escalate within minutes.

Periodic handheld inspections also play an important role, as they allow maintenance teams to view assets from multiple angles and distances. Fixed thermal monitoring provides visibility between scheduled surveys, while handheld tools with route-based inspection capabilities, such as the Flir i65 and Assetlink software, support more detailed inspections, analysis, and documentation when a potential issue is identified. Onboard tools such as reference imaging ensure these handheld inspections result in repeatable, trackable thermal data, making it easier to identify changes over time and support repair decisions. When combined with safety equipment such as infrared windows, maintenance teams can help maintain uptime by safely inspecting energized electrical equipment.

Two budgets, one operational problem/
Security and operations are often managed separately, leading different teams to purchase thermal technology for different purposes. The security department may invest in thermal cameras for perimeter protection, while the operations team deploys thermal equipment for electrical inspections, early fire detection, and rack monitoring. Although these purchases are often made independently, they address closely related risks.

Simply put: the purchases come from different budgets because the organization is divided that way. The risk itself is not.

Grand View Research valued the data centre physical security market at $1.87 billion (€1.61b) in 2023 and projects it will reach $4.83 billion (€4.14) by 2030. Mordor Intelligence projects the thermal imaging systems market will grow from $5.78 billion (€4.78b) in 2025 to $8.71 billion (€7.7b) by 2031.

These may appear to be separate markets, but operators experience them as parts of the same uptime challenge. Both are intended to reveal developing issues, provide enough information to act, and prevent a larger disruption.

A more complete reliability picture.
Compliance requirements are also moving operators toward a more coordinated approach. The 2023 edition of NFPA 70B placed greater emphasis on documented electrical maintenance and thermographic inspection. Inspection records, identified deficiencies, and corrective actions are increasingly part of the facility’s broader maintenance and audit process rather than being managed informally or in isolation.

None of this means operators need to replace systems that already work. It means they should view perimeter protection, power monitoring, interior surveillance, rack conditions, and compliance as part of a single reliability program.

Flir supports that full path, from radar and thermal detection at the perimeter to radiometric monitoring of critical equipment inside the facility. By connecting those capabilities, operators gain a clearer view of risk across the site and more time to respond before a condition escalates into an outage.

For most data centre operators, the first step is not another purchase order. It is a change in perspective: seeing the path from the outer fence to the inner rack as one continuous reliability environment.

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@flir @mepaxIntPR @UptimeInstitute @GrandViewInc @MordorIntel @NFPA #PAuto #Datacentres #security #Safety

Reducing moisture mapping with accuracy and speed.

By combining advanced thermal imaging with workflows directly connected to the company’s moisture assessment platform, Onterris (formerly CTEH) has reduced moisture mapping costs by upwards of 40% while improving accuracy and speed. The iXX Series from Flir,  enables faster inspections, real-time collaboration, and more efficient data integration, transforming both field performance and client delivery.

Operating across the United States, Canada and Australia, the Onterris Resilience and Recovery Team specialises in helping return buildings to safe, functional conditions after issues such as water damage, contamination, or environmental hazards. Their teams handle a wide range of building science challenges from indoor air quality and ventilation assessments to disaster response, chemical impacts, and post-remediation verification. A key element of this work is the need to quickly understand what’s happening inside structures, often under time pressure and in complex environments. Moisture migration, hidden damage, and contamination risks must be identified early to ensure effective remediation and reduce long-term costs.

Thermal imaging and structured workflows in practice.
Thermal imaging is a key part of Onterris’ inspections, helping teams quickly spot temperature differences that reveal moisture paths, hidden leaks, and other issues not visible to the eye. It also supports airflow checks, identification of potential biological growth, and detection of chemical leaks. Combined with moisture meters, hygrometers, and iPads running the company’s proprietary Moisture Assessment Survey Tool (MAST®) along with LiDAR scanning and integrated data capture, this setup allows teams to efficiently map conditions, document findings, and deliver clear, client-ready reports that support remediation decisions.

Choosing the iXX-Series.
Before adopting the Flir iXX Series, Onterris used a mix of Flir Ex and Cx-Series cameras. The move to iXX was driven by the need for higher accuracy and field efficiency, enabling teams to reliably detect even subtle issues, work comfortably through long inspections, and efficiently cover larger or elevated areas. Key selection criteria included:

• High-resolution imaging for better anomalydetection
• Ease of use and ergonomics for long days in the field
• Open API compatibility to integrate directly with internal software
• Built-in teleconferencing capabilities for real-time expert support

The ability to connect thermal images directly with the company’s MAST® platform was particularly valuable, eliminating manual steps and reducing the risk of errors.

Faster, more accurate, and more cost-effective.
The transition to the iXX Series has delivered measurable improvements across operations:

• Average cost per square foot reduced by upwards of 40%
• Improved detection accuracy, with fewer overlooked areas
• Reduced downtime thanks to longer battery life

This translates to more efficient inspections and better outcomes for clients, without increasing operational complexity. In practice, the iXX cameras have helped Onterris identify problem areas earlier and with greater confidence, increase responder productivity in the field, simplify training and deployment, and deliver more consistent and reliable inspection results. The cost reduction alone demonstrates how improved imaging capability and seamless data integration can directly impact profitability and scalability.

Tangible benefits and looking to the future.
The expansion of the iXX across Onterris has been driven by clear, practical advantages, strengthening both operational efficiency and brand reputation and positioning the business for continued growth. These include:

• Immediate access to expert input via live communication
• Higher-quality deliverables for clients
• Reduced need for follow-up analysis after site visits

This allows teams to resolve issues faster and with greater confidence, while improving overall client satisfaction. The adoption of the iXX-Series has also delivered benefits beyond field performance, improving team morale and confidence in equipment, enabling faster turnaround times for clients, and providing stronger data quality and reporting.

Looking ahead, the biggest opportunity is deeper digital integration: automatically linking thermal images to inspection data, reducing manual work and errors, and speeding up reporting. The iXX already supports this with built-in connectivity, enabling real-time collaboration and faster decisions on-site. Future enhancements, such as automatic logging of environmental and psychrometric data with each thermal image, and consolidation of tools into a more integrated inspection ecosystem could further streamline workflows. These improvements would continue to reduce equipment load while increasing data quality and usability.

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@flir @onterris @mepaxIntPR #Moisture #PAuto #TandM

Quality assurance beyond visual inspection.

Quality assurance should not depend on chance, eyesight, or end-of-line discovery.

On a high-speed food and beverage line, small errors rarely stay small across the wider production environment. A slightly underfilled tray. A seal that doesn’t fully bond. A trace of product caught where it shouldn’t be.

Individually, they seem minor. But multiplied across thousands of units per hour, they turn into waste, rework, complaints and sometimes recalls. And when that happens, it’s not just the business that feels it. Production teams face pressure. Quality managers answer difficult questions. Consumers lose trust.

Many manufacturers still rely heavily on visual inspection to catch these issues. The reality is simple. What you can see is not always what is happening.

The real risk on the filling line
Filling and sealing are deceptively complex stages as speeds are high, materials vary, and environmental conditions can shift throughout the day. Even minor temperature inconsistencies at the seal point can affect integrity.

Manual inspection and standard vision systems have their place, but have limits; sampling means some packs are never checked. Operators rotate. Fatigue sets in. Opaque or multilayer packaging hides defects that traditional cameras cannot easily detect.

Weak or contaminated seals compromise shelf life and, in the worst cases, food safety, highlighting the importance of seal integrity monitoring.

When an issue escapes the line, the consequences move fast. Production stops, stock is quarantined, and teams work late to contain the damage. But it doesn’t end at the factory gates; products may be pulled from shelves, customers inconvenienced, and in serious cases, consumers put at risk. The financial cost is visible, and the human cost is felt.

Quality control without blind spots
Thermal imaging adds a different layer of control. Instead of relying on surface appearance, it measures heat distribution as seals are formed and products move through the line.

The Flir A70 Smart Sensor captures detailed thermal patterns at production speed. Variations in temperature highlight underfills, trapped product in the seal area and inconsistent sealing pressure, even through opaque or printed packaging.

This is not sampling. It is continuous, 100 per cent in-line inspection. Every pack. Every cycle. No sampling gaps. Defects can be rejected immediately, before they progress further downstream or leave the facility, reducing surprises.

From checking to controlling
When thermal inspection is integrated into existing control systems, quality shifts from reactive checking to process control.

Data feeds directly into the plant’s existing platforms, creating a clear, auditable record and supporting HACCP and BRCGS requirements. Edge processing ensures decisions happen instantly, without slowing the line.

For operations teams, the impact is practical and measurable:

• Less product giveaway
• Fewer seal-related rejects
• Reduced rework and downtime
• Stronger compliance documentation
• Greater confidence during audits

Most importantly, it reduces the stress that comes with uncertainty. When operations teams can see exactly what is happening at the seal point, they make decisions earlier and have confidence that the process is under control.

Protecting more than product
In food and beverage manufacturing, quality failures are not just technical events. They affect people, putting reputation at risk and undermining consumer confidence.

Filling Line and Seal Inspection using thermal imaging closes a critical gap. It verifies fill levels and seal integrity on every unit without adding manual workload or slowing production.

Because quality assurance should not depend on chance, eyesight, or end-of-line discovery, it should be built into the process, protecting product, performance and, most importantly, people.

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@flir @mepaxIntPR #TandM #PAuto #Food #Beverage

Test & measurement range unveiled.

A new lineup of Extech moisture meters, the Extech BR95 Video Borescope with modular environmental sensors, and the Flir VP54 Non-Contact Voltage Detector—expanding its portfolio of accessible, professional-grade test and measurement solutions has been launched.

Designed for building inspectors, restoration professionals, HVAC technicians, and electrical contractors, the new tools deliver improved visibility, faster diagnostics, and greater confidence across a wide range of inspection and troubleshooting applications.

Clear, reliable detection for building and restoration applications.
The new Extech MO50A, MO55A, and MO57A moisture meters provide flexible solutions for detecting moisture in wood, drywall, concrete, and other building materials. These updated models feature high-contrast color displays with backlight and intuitive visual and audible indicators to simplify interpretation in any environment.

• MO50A: A compact pin-type meter for fast, accurate measurements
• MO55A: A versatile combination pin and pinless meter for invasive and non-invasive testing
• MO57A: A pinless meter with a ball probe for smooth scanning across delicate or uneven surfaces

Together, the MO5xA-Series helps professionals quickly identify hidden moisture, assess water damage, and make informed remediation decisions.

Versatile inspection with expandable sensing capabilities.

The Extech BR95 Video Borescope introduces a new level of flexibility for visual inspections in tight or hard-to-reach spaces. Featuring a compact, palm-sized design, a 5.5 mm waterproof camera probe, and a 3.5-inch IPS display, the BR95 captures high-quality images and video for documentation and analysis.

What sets the BR95 apart is its ability to expand beyond visual inspection with optional environmental sensors, transforming it into a multifunction diagnostic tool:

• BR95-CO: Measures carbon monoxide from 0–500 ppm
• BR95-CO2: Measures carbon dioxide from 400–2000 ppm
• BR95-RH: Measures temperature and relative humidity 

 This modular approach enables users to perform HVAC inspections, indoor air quality assessments, and building diagnostics with a single platform—reducing the need for multiple tools and improving workflow efficiency. 

Reliable electrical verification with enhanced safety feedback.
The Flir VP54 Non-Contact Voltage Detector is designed to help professionals safely verify energized circuits before starting work. Featuring triple alarm feedback—visual, audible, and vibration alerts—the VP54 ensures voltage presence is clearly communicated even in noisy or low-light environments.

Additional features include:

• Bright LED flashlight and tip light for improved visibility
• Ability to differentiate live wires from neutral or ground
• CAT IV safety rating and compliance with UL1436 standards
• Rugged, drop-tested design for demanding field use

The VP54 provides electricians, inspectors, and technicians with a dependable tool for quick, confident electrical verification.

“Today’s professionals need tools that are not only accurate, but also versatile and easy to use across a wide range of environments,” said Heliel Morales, Director of Business Development - Test and Measurement. “With the introduction of the BR95 platform, enhanced moisture meters, and the VP54 voltage detector, we’re delivering practical solutions that help customers work more efficiently, diagnose issues faster, and make safer, more informed decisions in the field.”

Built for real-world applications.
Across industries, professionals face increasing pressure to work faster, safer, and more efficiently—often in challenging environments. This new lineup of tools is designed to address common pain points such as limited visibility, unreliable measurements, and the need for multiple devices.

By combining ease of use, durable design, and versatile functionality, these solutions support a wide range of applications, including:

• Building and home inspections
• Water damage restoration
• HVAC system diagnostics
• Automotive inspection
• Electrical troubleshooting and safety checks

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@planetextech @flir @mepaxIntPR #TandM #PAuto

Towards the simplification of the complex lives of restoration contractors.

An enhanced integration between Flir's professional-grade iXX-Series thermal imaging cameras and RocketPlan, the leading mobile-first platform for the property restoration industry has been announced. This collaboration embeds high-resolution thermal data directly into digital field workflows, allowing restoration professionals to document moisture damage and structural anomalies with unprecedented speed and precision.

In an industry where "time is money" and documentation is the primary currency of insurance claims; this integration effectively eliminates the traditional bottleneck of manual data entry. By syncing Flir iXX-Series cameras with RocketPlan’s cloud-based ecosystem, thermal imagery is automatically tagged by project, room, and timestamp. This seamless connectivity ensures that every thermal insight captured on-site is immediately useful, rather than being trapped on an SD card or lost in a camera’s internal memory.

Thermal imaging remains the gold standard for detecting hidden moisture and insulation failures, yet the manual transfer of files from camera to report often leads to data silos and administrative delays. 

"Restoration professionals require more than just a great image; they need that image to be actionable and defensible," said Heliel Morales, Director of Global Business Development . "By integrating Flir’s industry-leading thermal clarity directly into the RocketPlan workflow, we are helping firms reduce administrative overhead and provide the transparent, high-quality documentation that insurance adjusters demand."

The benefits of this integration extend beyond the field technician to the entire restoration business. Images captured via the iXX-Series, Flir ONE and Flir Edge are instantly synced to the specific job file, which removes the risk of lost or mislabeled data. Technicians can then overlay this thermal data with floor plans, moisture readings, and time-tracking within a single mobile interface. This level of transparency allows office teams to share standardized, professional reports with insurance partners in real-time, significantly accelerating claim approvals and project completion.

"Our mission is to simplify the complex lives of restoration contractors," added Joe Tolzmann, CEO of RocketPlan. "Partnering with Flir allows our users to capture critical thermal insights and organize them instantly. It’s about moving from the assessment phase to the mitigation phase faster than ever before."

While the Flir iXX-Series offers the ruggedness and resolution required for large-scale loss, the RocketPlan integration also supports the Flir ONE® Series, Flir Edge®, and the Flir MR277 moisture meter with IGM™. This ensures that every member of a restoration crew, from the lead estimator to the technician, has access to the tools they need on a single platform. The integrated solution is available now for RocketPlan subscribers and Flir users.

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@flir @mepaxIntPR #TandM #PAuto 

Imaging camera is best.

The Flir Si1 LD acoustic imaging camera has been named “Product of the Year 2026” in the Measurement Technology category by the respected German industry publication Computer & Automation.

Launched in March 2025, the Flir Si1 LD has quickly become a trusted tool for maintenance teams worldwide. Its advanced acoustic imaging technology enables fast, reliable detection of hidden compressed air leaks, helping organizations reduce energy waste, cut operating costs, and bring greater transparency to their maintenance workflows.

Best In Class Leak Detection Technology.

The Si1 LD stands out for its unique combination of performance, easy operability, and integrated analytics:

High Sensitivity Acoustic Imaging

A high performance MEMS microphone array captures ultrasonic signals with exceptional clarity, delivering accurate leak detection even in loud industrial environments.

Bandpass Filtering for Precision

Smart filtering isolates selected ultrasonic frequencies to remove background noise and ensure reliable results.

Designed for Fast, Safe Adoption

Lightweight and ergonomically balanced for one handed operation, the Si1 LD requires minimal training and is easy to use across maintenance teams.

Integrated Analytics & Reporting

Users can quantify leaks in real time and generate detailed reports through Flir Thermal Studio or connected cloud services, simplifying documentation and supporting fast, data-driven decision-making.

A Milestone Award for the Si-Series
Since entering the market, the Si1 LD has helped organizations identify and prioritize leak repairs, measure true cost savings, and elevate the overall efficiency of compressed air systems. This award highlights the meaningful impact the technology has already had across manufacturing, processing plants, and industrial facilities.

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@flir @mepaxIntPR #TandM #PAuto

Stay powered in the field.

Maintain operational readiness during long shifts or extended expeditions.

Flir has launched a new initiative to provide a complimentary Flir Scout Pro vehicle charger to customers who purchase and register any eligible Scout Pro™ Thermal Monocular .

This "Mission Proven" promotion is designed to support users who operate in remote environments where reliable power is a necessity rather than a luxury. By including a dedicated Scout Pro vehicle charger with every product registration on the Flir Customer Portal, Flir is helping users maintain operational readiness during long shifts or extended expeditions. This offer is available for the Scout Pro lineup, including the Scout Pro, Scout Pro II, and Scout Pro III models.

“Our customers are investing in the safety and reliability of their entire operation, not just a piece of hardware,” said Peter Dekkers, Business Development Director at Flir. “By bundling our flagship handhelds with five years of protection and expert support, we are removing barriers to expertise and ensuring our users feel fully supported from the moment they open the box.”

Flir has prioritized a seamless experience for the end-user by integrating a frictionless digital redemption process. Each new Scout Pro unit now arrives with a unique QR code inside the box that directs the owner straight to the Flir Customer Portal. Once the quick registration is complete, the portal generates a direct redemption link for the free vehicle charger, which is then fulfilled and shipped directly by Flir through their e-commerce platform.

This limited-time offer runs until June 30th, 2026. 

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@flir @mepaxIntPR #TandM #PAuto

Thermographic bundle!

Limited-time campaign initiative gives all-in support.

Under the mission "Smarter Thermal Imaging Starts Here," Flir is pairing its world-class hardware with a comprehensive suite of extended protection, cloud-integrated software, and professional-grade training to ensure every user moves from unboxing to expert-level operation in record time.

The campaign centres on the idea that a powerful camera is only the beginning. Throughout the first half of 2026, purchasers of any eligible Flir Exx-Series or Txxx-Series camera—including all E76, E86, E96, and T5xx or T8xx models—will receive an all-in support package at no additional cost upon product registration of the camera. 

This premium bundle includes a Flir Protect extended warranty that brings total coverage to five years, alongside a choice of high-tier data management tools. Customers can opt for an 18-month Assetlink multi-tenant subscription for advanced fleet coordination or a one-year Ignite Pro license for seamless cloud storage and reporting. To round out the ecosystem, every bundle includes a two-hour instructor-led course from the Infrared Training Centre (ITC), providing users with the specialised knowledge required to maximise their technological investment.

“Our customers are investing in the safety and reliability of their entire operation, not just a piece of hardware” said John Gould, Business Development Director at Flir “By bundling our flagship handhelds with five years of protection, professional software, and expert training, we are removing barriers to expertise and ensuring our users feel fully supported from the moment they open the box”

Flir has also reimagined the registration process to be entirely frictionless for the end-user. Every eligible product box now features a unique QR code that directs customers to a serialised landing page. This intelligent link automatically pre-populates the camera’s serial and part numbers, eliminating the need for manual data entry. Once the one-click registration is completed via the Flir Customer Portal, users are immediately provided with direct redemption links and promo codes to claim their benefits, with all fulfilment handled directly by Flir.

This limited-time initiative is available for eligible Exx, T5xx, and T8xx models purchased and registered until June 30th, 2026. While the promotion covers the core professional handheld range, it does not apply to the T1k-Series.

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@flir @mepaxIntPR #TandM #PAuto

Thar she blows!

Thermal imagery provides 24/7 edge-AI and real‑time expert verification to address a leading cause of death for large whales.

WhaleSpotter is the latest collaborator in the Thermal by FLIR program, supporting efforts to prevent fatal whale strikes through AI‑powered thermal infrared detection. The WhaleSpotter solution combines Teledyne FLIR OEM’s Boson+ thermal camera module with WhaleSpotter’s proprietary AI and real‑time expert verification to address a leading cause of death for large whales.

Pic: Whalespotter

"WhaleSpotter’s solution embodies our mission to enable intelligent thermal with edge-based AI that addresses critical, global challenges," said Paul Clayton, president, Teledyne FLIR OEM. "The scalable, plug-and-play solution protects both the environment and the global supply chain."

The WhaleSpotter system leverages thermal imaging to reliably detect marine mammals in real time, day or night, and through light fog. The solution alerts crews to whales surfacing at distances of up to seven kilometers (four nautical miles), comparable as humans with binoculars during daylight. This provides ships and offshore operators more time and distance to adjust course or speed.

"WhaleSpotter was born from more than ten years of research at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) to solve the 'unseen whale' problem," said Dr. Daniel Zitterbart, co-founder and chief scientist of WhaleSpotter. "By pairing Teledyne FLIR OEM’s thermal imaging with our AI and global network of expert marine specialists, we deliver 99 percent efficacy. This ensures captains have the confidence to act without the 'alert fatigue' caused by false positives."

Boson+ Camera

Proven global scale. WhaleSpotter is a direct spinoff of Dr. Zitterbart’s work at WHOI, bringing laboratory-grade science to commercial fleets and offshore energy platforms worldwide. Following a decade of field testing, WhaleSpotter has achieved more than 250,000 verified detections. With nearly 100 systems active at more than 50 global sites today, the technology is in service with customers around the world, including Matson, a leading U.S. cargo carrier in the Pacific.

In an announcement from November 2025, Matt Cox, Chairman and CEO, Matson, said, “The technology is remarkable, and now refined to meet our zero-false alert requirements. Our crews are enthusiastic about this new tool and are already using it to help protect whales."

Beyond the tragic loss of life, whale strikes carry massive economic consequences. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) values a single great whale at more than two million dollars due to its role in carbon sequestration, fishery enhancement, and ecotourism. For critically endangered species like the North Atlantic Right Whale—of which only about 70 reproductively active females remain—a single strike can impact the future of the entire population.

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@flir @mepaxIntPR #Whalespotter #Marine #Environment

Optimal cyclist position enhanced using thermal imaging.

One of the most advanced bike-fitting studios worldwide is tapping into the benefit of Flir thermal imaging technology to push the boundaries of sports science and biomechanics at all levels of cycling. Bikefit Van Staeyen (Antwerpen B) uses Flir-generated infrared images to visualise body heat and pressure distribution in real time, subsequently optimising rider position and bike set up. The enterprise offers professional bike fitting based on more than 20 years of experience in cycling. Founded by brothers Kevin and Michael Van Staeyen (a former professional road racing cyclist), the business has built its success on extensive expertise in sports science, biomechanics and cycling. What started as a passion for precision and performance evolved into one of the world’s most advanced bike-fitting studios.

The principal differentiator of Bikefit Van Staeyen is its dual-expert approach: every bike fit is performed by both brothers working together, merging technical analysis and professional cycling experience with medical understanding.

“This synergy allows us to identify patterns and dysfunctions far beyond what conventional systems can capture,” explains Kevin.

Real-time insight.
Central to the process is the use of advanced thermal imaging technology from Flir, which provides a real-time view into physiological asymmetries, pressure distribution, and underlying muscular imbalances.

“We use a Flir infrared camera to study a heat map of a rider pedaling to optimise body position and bike set up,” says Kevin. “By combining thermography with motion tracking, force analysis, and EMG [electromyographic] data, we can see what others can only guess: how the rider’s body reacts, compensates, and adapts under load. We’ve named our thermography application ‘Lava.flow’, a process that allows us to understand and optimise injury-prone areas, muscle activation, and pressure points in a completely new way.”

Bikefit Van Staeyen initially used a Flir E76 thermal imaging camera but has since migrated to the newer E96. The E96 is Flir’s first pistol-grip camera with 640 × 480 thermal resolution, allowing users to survey targets safely and quickly. This advanced sensor offers complete coverage of near and distant targets through a range of lens options. In addition, Flir Ignite provides the automatic uploading of E96 images directly from the camera to the cloud for easy, secure storage and sharing.

As pioneers in thermal analysis for cycling applications, Bikefit Van Staeyen works in close collaboration with Thermal Focus, a Flir Platinum Partner and stockist of the largest selection of Flir infrared cameras in the Benelux region.

Temperature in focus.
The hot spots and cold spots identified by Flir thermal cameras serve as direct indicators of how a cyclist’s body functions on the bike. An excessive temperature increase in certain areas can indicate overexertion, friction, or poor posture.

Using the Flir E96, Bikefit Van Staeyen can: detect hot spots and elevated pressure zones on the saddle, shoes, or handlebars; identify asymmetric muscle loading and unbalanced activation patterns; analyse vascular restrictions that may lead to numbness or reduced performance; and detect thermal irregularities that could indicate overload.

Bikefitter adjusting cycleheight

With this in-depth thermal analysis, the brothers are able to identify a range of issues that prompt adjustments for the optimal riding experience. For instance, asymmetric heat distribution around the kneecap points to a possible biomechanical problem, while too much heat in the ball of the foot typically means incorrect positioning of the cleat position. Similarly, increased temperature in the lower back could be the result of a compensatory mechanism or incorrect saddle adjustment.

"While traditional bike fits are often based on observation and feel, we use objective, data-driven measurements from the Flir thermal camera,” reveals Kevin. “Our Lava.flow process gives us unique, real-time insight into how a rider’s body responds while cycling. By way of example, we recently helped a cyclist experiencing unexplained knee pain during rides. Using our Flir infrared imaging technology, we observed excessive heat accumulation in the tibia [tibialis anterior muscle]. Thanks to the Flir imaging of this increased heat and our leg length software, we discovered that this leg was structurally shorter and that the rider had to pull the pedal excessively upward when cycling, resulting in knee pain.”

All levels of cyclist.
Cyclists turning to Bikefit Van Staeyen for assistance range from dedicated amateurs to World Tour professionals. They trust the company for the same reason: attention to detail. From saddle pressure to neural load; from crank dynamics to thermal asymmetry - no variable is left unexplored. The company is also pioneering the bike-fit domain at university level, a first in Europe, by collaborating with the University of Antwerp to integrate data-driven approaches.

“We want to serve as the fundamental partner and reference point for thermal camera technology within the sport of cycling,” concludes Kevin. “Our ambition is to help shape the future of performance diagnostics, not just for our own athletes, but as a knowledge and technology hub for teams and riders worldwide. With our expertise and experience we can demonstrate the immense potential of thermography in biomechanical and performance analysis.”

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@Van_Staeyen_M @flir @mepaxIntPR  #BikeFit #Sport

Long range detection.

The launch of Neutrino SX8 ISR 50-1000, the latest addition to the rebranded Neutrino ISR Series (formerly the Neutrino Ground ISR Series) has been announced by Teledyne FLIR. With a 20x continuous zoom (CZ), the high-performance model represents the longest-range solution to date in the entire Neutrino ISR lineup.

“The intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) market in 2026 continues to expand to accommodate new applications and changing needs. The Neutrino SX8 ISR 50-1000 is engineered to meet the most demanding long-range requirements for border surveillance, perimeter security, and counter-UAS (C-UAS) missions,” said Jared Faraudo, vice president of product management, Teledyne FLIR OEM. “The Neutrino ISR 50-1000 has the longest detection, recognition, and identification (DRI) ranges in the Neutrino ISR series with vehicle detection at 34 km, recognition at 23.5 km, and identification at 20 km.”

The Neutrino SX8 ISR 50-1000 is a turnkey solution for integrators developing mid- and long-range ISR systems. Combining Teledyne FLIR OEM’s world-class Neutrino mid-wave infrared (MWIR) camera modules with fully integrated CZ lenses delivers a complete, differentiated solution. The single-source camera, lens, and electronics delivers market-leading performance while reducing development risk, costs, and time to market.

Market-leading performance and reliability.
The Neutrino SX8 ISR 50-1000 utilises a cooled 1280x1024 thermal resolution Neutrino SX8 MWIR sensor with an 8 µm pixel pitch, providing optimal thermal sensitivity and high-performance imaging. The 50 mm to 1000 mm CZ lens is factory integrated to simplify integration and optimise performance. The system features a long-life Teledyne FLIR FL100 linear Stirling cooler with a mean time to failure (MTTF) of greater than 27,000 hours, backed by an industry-leading two-year warranty.

To simplify development and reduce time to market, the module incorporates market-leading image processing and interface electronics with AgileCore™ imaging electronics from InVeo Designs LLC. The industry-standard interface offers flexible connectivity options for seamless integration into networked systems, including Gigabit Ethernet, Camera Link, and HD-SDI.

The Neutrino SX8 ISR 50-1000 is also Prism™ Ai ready, supporting Teledyne FLIR OEM’s advanced Ai models for detection, tracking, and classification. Integrators can also leverage Prism ISP libraries for enhanced data fidelity through features such as super-resolution, atmospheric turbulence mitigation, and contrast enhancement.

The Neutrino SX8 ISR 50-1000 is NDAA-compliant and ITAR-free. It is classified under the U.S. Department of Commerce jurisdiction as EAR 6A003.b.4.a, providing greater flexibility for development with foreign customers. Integrators also have access to a comprehensive software development kit (SDK), integration support, and documentation from the highly qualified technical services team at Teledyne FLIR OEM.

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@flir @mepaxIntPR  #Security

Quality assurance inspection.

Imaging built for automation, not adapted to it..

The Flir A6450 Long-Life Cooled MWIR Camera Seriesa is a new thermal imaging solution purpose-built for continuous industrial automation, process control, and non-destructive testing applications. Designed to overcome long-standing barriers to deploying cooled thermal cameras in production environments, the A6450 combines industry-leading long-life cooling, high-speed MWIR performance, and automation-ready integration enabling manufacturers and system integrators to deploy high-performance thermal imaging in true 24/7 operations.

“Historically, the timing and cost of maintaining cooled thermal cameras limited their use in production line applications,” said Matthew Hasty, Global Vertical Director Automation for Flir. “With the A6450, we’ve fundamentally changed that equation delivering long-life cooled MWIR performance that manufacturers can confidently deploy across continuous production processes.”

At the core of the A6450 is a revolutionary, HOT MWIR detector paired with an industry-leading linear cooler, delivering up to 27,000 hours of operational life. This extended lifespan dramatically reduces the need for annual maintenance, enabling manufacturers to shift from short service intervals to multi-year operational planning. By reducing downtime, service costs, and operational risk, the A6450 transforms cooled MWIR cameras from specialized inspection tools into reliable, long-term automation assets.

The A6450 is designed for applications where timing is critical. With a 125 Hz frame rate, the camera accurately captures fast thermal events and subtle temperature variations on moving products capabilities essential for non-destructive testing, process monitoring, and inline quality assurance.

High thermal sensitivity allows users to detect early-stage defects, material inconsistencies, or process deviations before they propagate downstream, helping reduce scrap, rework, and unplanned downtime.

Built on proven industry-recognized Flir A6700-Series electronics, the A6450 supports GigE Vision®, GenICam®, and other industry-standard protocols, enabling seamless integration into existing automation systems. Customer-driven interfaces, commands, and triggers, allow system integrators to deploy the camera quickly without custom development.

For pre-deployment testing and validation, the A6450 offers plug-and-play compatibility with Flir Research Studio, enabling users to test, tune, and validate inspection setups before full system integration.

To support diverse manufacturing environments, the A6450 offers a flexible, high-performance optics portfolio and extensive calibration options. Users can store hundreds of calibration profiles directly on the camera, making it easy to support multiple products, materials, and inspection scenarios especially in facilities with frequent changeovers. This flexibility allows one camera platform to support a wide range of applications across production lines, which reduces hardware complexity and increases deployment efficiency.

The A6450 supports automation strategies that improve product quality, reduce manual inspection labor, and minimize risk. Continuous thermal monitoring helps identify seal defects, material deformities, and other critical quality issues by revealing subtle temperature variations that indicate incomplete bonding, uneven curing, or process instability. By detecting overheating, process drift, or equipment stress early, manufacturers can intervene sooner helping prevent defects from escalating downstream and delivering safer operations with more consistent quality outcomes.

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@flir @mepaxIntPR  #PAuto #TandM

Automotive safety.

Thermal Infrared Camera for Improved Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking and Autonomous Vehicle Safety.

Tura™, the first Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL-B) thermal longwave infrared (LWIR) camera has been developed in compliance with ISO 26262 functional safety (FuSa) standards. FLIR's Tura is purpose-built to meet the stringent perception requirements for vehicle-based night vision, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and autonomous vehicles (AV) that demand high performance, low supply risk, and cost-effective thermal solutions.

The automotive-qualified Tura features a new, high-performance passive 640 × 512 resolution far-infrared (FIR) sensor with industry-leading sensitivity critical for detecting and classifying pedestrians, animals, and other vulnerable roadway users. It delivers perception far beyond headlights in complete darkness and through challenging conditions such as fog, smoke, sun glare, and headlight glare.

"Safety and reliability are non-negotiable pillars of autonomous technology, and Tura sets a new industry benchmark with compatible FuSa features starting from the sensor," said Paul Clayton, President and GM, Teledyne FLIR OEM. "We have manufactured more than one million automotive thermal camera modules over the last twenty years for driver warning systems and will continue to provide a high-volume, cost-effective solution."

Teledyne FLIR OEM and Valeo, a key technology partner of mobility players around the globe, previously announced their collaboration, and “Valeo and Teledyne FLIR will deliver the first Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) B thermal imaging technology for night vision ADAS. This system will complement Valeo’s large range of sensors and rely on Valeo’s ADAS software stack to support functions such as automatic emergency braking (AEB) at night for passenger and commercial vehicles as well as for autonomous cars.”

Tura enhances lifesaving pedestrian automatic emergency braking (PAEB) and helps provide a smoother, safer ride. It also supports the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 127, which requires higher-speed nighttime test scenarios where existing AEB systems struggle.

Teledyne FLIR OEM thermal cameras are also deployed in fully autonomous vehicles. In addition to delivering forward-looking perception data, multiple thermal camera modules can be integrated to enhance 360-degree situational awareness. This enables reliable detection of heat-emitting objects—such as people, vehicles, and animals even in low-visibility conditions.

The Tura thermal camera module includes key safety and reliability features:

• ASIL-B Compliance: Developed in accordance with ISO 26262 FuSa standards.

• All-Weather Operation: Heated IP6K9K enclosure ensures reliable 24/7/365 performance.

• Shutterless Design: AEC-Q-qualified components maximize uptime, power efficiency, and affordability.

• AI-Optimized Integration: Simplified deployment with Teledyne FLIR OEM’s training data and Prism™ perception software, trained with millions of annotations.

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@flir @mepaxIntPR  #Automotive #Safety

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

Tools for inspections, diagnostics, and environmental testing.

The launch of several new products designed to give professionals smarter, faster, and more reliable ways to tackle inspections, diagnostics, and environmental testing have been announced by Flir & Extech. From underground plumbing inspections to refrigerant leak detection and air and water quality analysis, these new solutions extend the companys' commitment to delivering rugged, accurate, and user-friendly tools for professionals across industries.

Smarter Underground Inspections: VS80 plumbing probes and locator.

The Flir VS80 High-Performance Videoscope now offers new accessories and kits to simplify underground plumbing inspections. “By adding smarter plumbing accessories to the VS80, we’re giving inspectors the ability to trace pipes and diagnose problems faster, safer, and with greater precision,” said Heliel Morales Director Business Development, Flir.

These kits now include:

• 30 m Plumbing Spool Kit with upgraded 1280 × 720 HD resolution, self-leveling probe, and integrated 512 Hz Sonde Transmitter for easier tracing.
• 512 Hz Pipe Locator with dual 3D antennas and arrow guidance to quickly detect underground pipes or blockages up to 5 feet deep
• Rugged IP54/IP67 ratings, 8 hours of runtime, and Flir Meterlink app connectivity ensure reliable performance and easy file sharing. 

Fast, Accurate Water Testing: Extech EC700™ 6-in-1 Water Quality Meter.

The new Extech EC700 Water Quality Meter Kit is an all-in-one solution for aquaculture, laboratories, and water treatment plants. Using interchangeable probes, it measures pH, conductivity, TDS, salinity, and dissolved oxygen with compensation for temperature, pressure, and salinity.

Key benefits include:

• 
  Large LCD display to view multiple readings at once.
• Optical DO probe requiring less maintenance and no oxygen consumption.
• Rugged IP67 waterproof design for reliable use in tough environments.
• Stores and recalls up to 99 readings to track trends and changes.

Refrigerant Leak Detection Made Simple: Extech RD350™.

The new Extech RD350 Refrigerant Leak Detector is built for HVAC professionals who demand precision. Featuring a highly sensitive heated semiconductor sensor, it detects refrigerants including R410A, R32, R134a, and more with a sensitivity of just 3 g/year.

Key features:

• Detects all commonly used refrigerant gases.
• Three sensitivity levels with reset function.
• Audible and visual alarms plus a 15.5-inch flexible probe for pinpoint detection.
• Includes reference leak and carrying case.

Monitor Indoor Air Quality with Ease: Extech CO270™ CO2 Meter.

The battery-powered Extech CO270 Air Quality Meter delivers accurate CO2, humidity, dew point, and temperature measurements for schools, offices, healthcare facilities, and industrial environments.

Highlights include:

• Up to 1 year of battery life on just three AAA batteries.
• Large display with graphical air quality indicators.
• Anti-theft and anti-modification features for commercial installations.
• Programmable buzzer alarms when CO2 thresholds are exceeded.

The FLIR VS80 plumbing probes and locator and kits, Extech EC700 Water Quality Meter, Extech RD350 Refrigerant Leak Detector, and Extech CO270 Air Quality Meter are available now through authorized distributors worldwide

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@flir @planetextech @mepaxIntPR  #TandM  #PAuto #HVAC