Teledyne FLIR - An interview with:

Dan Walker, VP Product Management, Teledyne FLIR

What are the key factors driving the growth of the thermal camera market in Europe in 2024?

Technological innovations like improved resolution and sensitivity have enhanced thermal cameras’ effectiveness and accessibility, and this, combined with rising security concerns regarding border security and defense in Europe, are driving demand for advanced surveillance. Widespread adoption of thermal cameras in public and private sectors and European governments’ investments in national security and infrastructure have both supported market growth.

What are the latest technological advancements in thermal imaging that are influencing the market?

The key advancements in sensor technology are the enhancement of thermal camera resolution and sensitivity, making them more versatile and powerful. As a market leader, Teledyne FLIR develops high-resolution thermal sensors and now offers advanced embedded software for better image processing and automated data analysis. Our advanced video processor, the FLIR AVP, powers Prism™ AI software and computational imaging at the edge. This small, lightweight, low-power module offers best-in-class AI performance, enabling seamless integration into UAVs, robots, gimbals, handheld devices, and fixed-mounted security systems.

How are innovations like higher resolution and improved sensitivity impacting the adoption of thermal cameras?

Higher resolution improves thermal image quality, aiding object identification and analysis. Increased sensitivity (measured in milliKelvins) enables the detection of smaller temperature differences, which is crucial for security and surveillance in low thermal contrast scenes. These detection capabilities broaden applications to challenging environments not just at night, but including fog, smoke, and dust. Advances in uncooled thermal sensors have made high-sensitivity cameras more affordable and accessible. These enhancements also boost effectiveness when integrated with other technologies, such as drones and autonomous vehicles.

Which sectors are the largest consumers of thermal cameras in Europe, and why?

In Europe, the military and defense sectors are currently the largest consumers of thermal cameras for advanced surveillance, advanced warning systems, and target acquisition, and have found them crucial for night operations and in adverse weather. The automotive industry uses them for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to enhance night vision and detect pedestrians and animals. Industrial applications include optical gas imaging (OGI), inspections, and maintenance, ensuring safety and efficiency. Because they are highly effective in low-light conditions, firefighting and rescue operations rely on them to locate hotspots and survivors. Security and law enforcement use them for perimeter monitoring and intrusion detection.

How is the use of thermal cameras in non-traditional sectors like automotive and optical gas imaging evolving?

Technological advancements and growing awareness have expanded thermal camera use into non-traditional sectors, including automotive and OGI. Thermal cameras enhance night vision and excel in long-range detection scenarios, even in low-visibility conditions like darkness, smoke, and fog.  Beyond detecting pedestrians, they are also effective at identifying other vehicles or obstacles on the road. Perception engineers can integrate Teledyne FLIR’s Prism AI-Auto into ADAS and autonomous vehicle systems as a software framework that provides classification, object detection, and object tracking.
Gas imaging cameras perform infrared gas detection, spotting methane (CH4), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), hydrocarbons, and hundreds of other industrial gases quickly, accurately, and safely—without shutting down systems. These cameras can be used to scan broad sections of equipment rapidly and survey areas that are hard to reach with traditional contact measurement tools. OGI cameras can also detect leaks from a safe distance, displaying these invisible gases as clouds of smoke.

What external factors are impacting the thermal camera market in Europe and why?

Several factors are driving the growth and adoption of thermal cameras across Europe. Heightened security concerns related to terrorism and border security are boosting demand for surveillance and perimeter protection. Government initiatives in safety regulations and border control are supporting the market through funding for advanced surveillance technologies. The growth of industrial automation increases the use of thermal cameras for monitoring and maintenance, detecting equipment failures, and optimizing processes. Additionally, thermal cameras aid in environmental monitoring, such as detecting heat leaks and monitoring wildlife. This contributes to energy efficiency and conservation efforts.

Has the war in Ukraine had a significant impact on the thermal camera market?

The war in Ukraine has boosted the demand for advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) technologies. Thermal cameras are increasingly being used on ISR platforms for night vision, target acquisition, and monitoring movements. Driven by military and humanitarian needs, these factors are evolving the thermal camera market in Europe.

How are thermal cameras being integrated with Artificial Intelligence?

AI integration with thermal cameras such as Teledyne FLIR’s Boson® and Neutrino® enhances their capabilities and applications, while AI algorithms improve image processing. This makes object identification easier in low-light conditions. Prism AI’s powerful, efficient perception software enables object classification, detection, and tracking of crucial targets. In industrial settings, real-time AI analysis detects anomalies like overheating equipment, making it crucial for predictive maintenance and security. AI-powered thermal cameras offer automated monitoring and alerts that are invaluable for perimeter security. 

What are the key success factors for integrators developing products that include thermal camera modules?

To successfully integrate thermal camera modules, consider key factors like thermal sensitivity (often measured as Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD)) for detecting small temperature differences and resolution for clear, sharp images. Specific spectral ranges, such as LWIR for general imaging and MWIR for specialized applications, are important, as is ensuring that your system is compatible with system components. Choose between cooled (higher sensitivity, more expensive) and uncooled (cost-effective, durable) sensors. As the world’s largest volume manufacturer, Teledyne FLIR offers industry-leading experience and innovative hardware and software to guide seamless integration. This ensures quality, performance, reliability, and low-risk supply.

What is the future outlook for infrared camera use?

As sensor technology advances, thermal cameras will see increasing adoption across various industries. Regulatory efforts are boosting trust and reliability, and market expansion is being driven by demand in security, surveillance, industrial automation, healthcare, and environmental monitoring. Key trends include SWaP-optimized modules for increased accessibility, continued AI integration, and IoT connectivity.

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