Cellplus

Expanded by Thermal

Thermal imaging, expanding the spectrum of new possibilities

Sensors are the cornerstone of autonomous perception technology, them providing data as the crucial initial step to any AI-powered perception system. Among these, visible-light cameras currently dominate the market. However, despite their prevalence, traditional cameras face notable limitations and disadvantages, particularly in challenging environmental conditions and depth perception capabilities. To address these shortcomings, sensor fusion technologies have emerged, integrating new technologies such as LiDAR, RADAR, and ultrasonic sensors. These technologies mainly overcome the limitation of ‘depth perception’ capabilities of cameras and in some cases low reliability in challenging environmental conditions. Adding Thermal cameras to the formula, which are uniquely capable of detecting electromagnetic waves in the 8 to 14 μm spectrum, open unprecedented opportunities. They excel in detecting emitted heat, penetrating adverse weather conditions, and providing radiometric measurements. Thermal cameras expanding the spectrum of detectable wavelengths, open a new spectrum of possibilities for the future of AI-powered perception.

Sensors are the cornerstone of autonomous perception technology,
them providing data as the crucial initial step to any AI-powered perception system.
Among these, visible-light cameras currently dominate the market.
However, despite their prevalence, traditional cameras face notable limitations and disadvantages,
particularly in challenging environmental conditions and depth perception capabilities.
To address these shortcomings, sensor fusion technologies have emerged,
integrating new technologies such as LiDAR, RADAR, and ultrasonic sensors.
These technologies mainly overcome the limitation of ‘depth perception’ capabilities of cameras and
in some cases low reliability in challenging environmental conditions.

Adding Thermal cameras to the formula, which are uniquely capable of
detecting electromagnetic waves in the 8 to 14 μm spectrum, open unprecedented opportunities.
They excel in detecting emitted heat, penetrating adverse weather conditions, and providing radiometric measurements.
Thermal cameras expanding the spectrum of detectable wavelengths,
open a new spectrum of possibilities for the future of AI-powered perception.

Comparative Analysis of Sensor Technology

Except for RGB cameras, all three sensor technologies of LWIR cameras, RADAR, and LiDAR show reliability in unpleasant lighting conditions such as darkness and sun glares. In extreme environmental conditions like heavy rain or fog, thermal cameras and RADAR sensors demonstrate superior penetration capabilities, ensuring consistent performance. Each sensor technology is uniquely suited for specific applications due to fundamental differences in operational mechanisms and data formats. LiDAR and RADAR, as active sensors, excel in scenarios requiring depth and velocity perception. In contrast, RGB and thermal cameras, being passive sensors, produce data in the form of images, making them ideal for applications such as object detection and scene analysis. Thermal cameras stand out as the unrivaled solution for detecting humans and wildlife, thanks to their ability to sense radiated heat emitted by living organisms. Furthermore, they are the only sensor technology capable of delivering image-based data enriched with radiometric information, all while maintaining reliability across all weather conditions including darkness, sun glare, rain, and fog.

RGB and thermal cameras operate as passive sensors, capturing continuous ranges within the electromagnetic spectrum. In contrast, LiDAR and RADAR technologies function as active sensors, emitting and measuring signals at specific wavelengths. The diagram below illustrates the typical wavelength ranges for each of above sensor types.