Approaching the new decade, the advanced innovation of technologies has been increasing exponentially from the sophistication of smartphones to automated self-driving smart cars. Also, to learn more regarding how technology is currently shaping the world at will, a cluster of information can be located at robots.net.
The advancement of modern warfare is feared across the globe. Experts speculate that whichever nation has the most superior military capacity will be deemed the most powerful. Now with the help of FLIR, the government has access to their heavy common robot, which will make it increase its military power.
What Is FLIR Systems
When it comes to cameras with thermal imaging, the biggest name in the field is known as FLIR Systems, which stands for “Forward-Looking Infrared Radiometer.” FLIR Systems is dubbed as the biggest commercial company when it comes to the thermal imaging camera fields.
FLIR Systems is a company that designs technological advancements, creates them, and then markets them to major companies and industries. They bring innovations to sensing solutions such as video analytics, thermal imaging, visible-light imaging, and highly advanced warning indicators or threat detector systems.
Brief History
The company started back in 1978, in which the company name is taken from the acronym of “Forward-Looking Infrared.” Moreover, the company started with systems on airborne infrared technology, in which it partnered with Hughes Aircraft Company back in the 80s that resulted in the company partly owning FLIR Systems.
The Products Of The Company
FLIR Systems has a diverse portfolio presented to military defenses and major government sectors as their products aid military personal and initial responders in saving and protecting lives. The company sells thermal cameras for smartphones. However, the most famous is the FLIR ONE, which is used to detect water and air leaks.
How The Company Operates
The FLIR System’s headquarters are in Oregon and Virginia. However, the company has dedicated its Research and Development facilities near Goleta, which is close to California. Furthermore, the structure of the FLIR System’s facility is divided into six sectors:
- Military and other government-related technologies with thermal imaging
- Thermography cameras to be used for inspecting a building’s overall durability, predictive maintenance, and also measurement and testing tools
- Camera core developments and components, research for new applications for the existing technology, OEM developments
- Developments regarding the maritime segment, which includes thermal cameras and other maritime electronics
- Residential, industrial, and commercial visible light camera securities
- Detection technologies for biological, chemical, explosive, and radiation segments
FLIR Cameras
The Forward-Looking Infrared, or commonly known as FLIR, is commonly used in civilian or military aircraft as a thermographic camera. The camera sensors detect infrared radiation, which usually emanates from a heat source, thus calling it thermal radiation. Then the system gathers all the information from the sensors to create an assembled image as an output.
FLIR Systems Supplying Robot Tech
In the third quarter of 2019, FLIR Systems has gained the probable five-year contract to let the FLIR Systems provide the military with a platform for robotics, in which it will replace the U.S. Military’s robots for Remote Ordnance Neutralization Systems. The service would include workloads in refurbishing test supports, training logistics, and spare parts.
Preparing Unmanned Ground Systems
According to the service, the Army’s ambition to upgrade their current systems to a more sophisticated robotic fleet is coming into life. The Army has been utilizing some other authority agreement transactions to allow robotic prototype competitions before the awarding of contracts for productions.
Prototypes are already distributed across multiple branches of the U.S. Army and now receiving feedback on its performances if the Army’s leaders would approve the movement of technological operations.
U.S. Army’s CRS-H Contract
On the 15th of November, the U.S. Army announced that FLIR Systems had been given the opportunity to mass-produce more than 300 Kobra UGVs, or Unmanned Ground Vehicles, to bring to completion the U.S. Army’s Common Robotic System requirement for Heavy CRS-H robots.
The Kobra displayed its necessary capabilities for operations such as weighing up to 700 pounds, a basic speed of 6 miles per hour, and also the ability to carry up to 125 kilograms while having a reach of 6 feet. Various payloads and sensors would be given to unmanned ground vehicles, along with a relay for radio waves to extend its range of operations.
The Army’s New EOD Robot
Army technicians for Explosive Ordnance Disposal, or EOD, are currently understaffed or overworked. However, the workloads of EOD technicians are lessened with a brand new robot to aid them in surgical missions that require precise operations to avoid an accidental detonation.
The new EOD robot looks just like Wall-E from a Disney movie. Moreover, a quicker acquisition plan allowed the Army to construct decisions based on the feedback from soldiers who operated the machine. As the robot needs to be well accommodated to the needs of soldiers in demanding situations as nothing replaces their perspective.
The KOBRA
The U.S. Army now has access to technologically advanced robotics, which can help troops in missions for hazardous threats such as biological, nuclear, or chemical, for that matter. The KOBRA displays an unmatched power, strength, and support for payloads in a package that is both easy and smooth to operate.
The Rugged Laptop With Controller
A rugged laptop controls the KOBRA with its accompanying game-style controller, in which it performs marvelously in various difficult situations. The console features a game-style controller, in which it’s commonly used in operations that are mounted.
Moreover, the laptop has an MPU5 powered radio, which is accompanied by a top of the line Wave Relay. The device also features a network that is self-forming and can also tolerate faults in real-time, not to mention that it can quickly adapt in complicated and teeming situations or environments.
Endeavor Robotics
Earlier in February, FLIR Systems bought the company called Endeavor Robots, an addition that makes perfect sense because the company’s main products are their sensors and cameras. FLIR Systems has also acquired Prox Dynamics back in 2016, as the company specializes in constructing small micro-drones called the Black Hornet.
Another sector of FLIR Systems’ contract to the U.S. Army is the Unmanned Ground Systems of Combat-Proven Robots. The company has already delivered 7,000 robots to numerous clients that partnered with International and U.S. defenses, public safety, law enforcement, and industrial users to construct advanced technology supporting a variety of missions.
FLIR Systems provides technologically advanced machines that accommodate the different types of missions held by the U.S. Army, such as a roadside bomb disposal, unraveling a suspicious package in urban streets, or even potential materials that are hazardous. The robots aid the Army troops and first responders to perform safe and smooth operations.
Takeaway
FLIR Systems aspires to contribute technological advancements to interested governments and companies, but of course, with a price. Nonetheless, the company is always creating innovative ways for first-aid responders, serious boaters, and commercial mariners to always stay safe regardless of weather conditions.
Moreover, the company remains one of the top competitors when it comes to this particular technology. The company is ambitious when it comes to technological innovations that aim to create a safer future by improving the perception of humans with sensing and imaging solutions that are top of its class.
