Seek Thermal has been recognized by CIOReview Magazine as the recipient of “Top 20 Automotive Technology Companies - 2019,” based on our proprietary methodology, reflecting its position in the industry. This profile has been developed by the CIOReview research and editorial team based on insights from an interview with Tim LeBeau, Chief Commercial Officer.

Seek Thermal
Assisting the Automotive Industry To See the Unseen

Tim LeBeau, Chief Commercial Officer

In the same vein computers evolved from large and expensive equipment into sophisticated, low-cost handheld devices, the thermal imaging industry is entering the peak of its prowess. Thermal imaging sensors provide a unique perspective for a driver, enabling them to see hazards, pedestrians and animals on the road during any lighting conditions, including complete darkness. Currently, only a few thousand thermal imaging sensors have found applications in the automotive industry, primarily due to a steep $8,000 average cost per device. Therefore, many automakers were quick to dismiss the idea of embedding thermal imaging cameras into mass-produced vehicles. However, rapid advancements in thermal imaging technologies have led to sensors becoming accessible and affordable. Recent reports project the automotive industry will incorporate a significantly greater number of thermal imaging sensors in the next few years as the average price per unit is expected to dramatically decrease.

One of the flagbearers in the thermal imaging revolution is Seek Thermal, a technology company en route to making thermal imaging sensors available for less than $250 per unit for car manufacturers. “What makes thermal imaging so compelling is its ability to help drivers make split-second decisions at high speeds across a wide variety of lighting and weather conditions,” says Tim LeBeau, Chief Commercial Officer, Seek Thermal. “Thermal cameras know what is ahead because unlike conventional cameras or radar, they can identify the unique heat signatures of a human or animal by reading and evaluating the infrared energy they emit. The camera is looking for heat, and it can see it day or night. While a driver’s view may be obscured by darkness, glare, smoke, fog or oncoming high-beam headlights, thermal imaging sees right through those obstacles and any other visual clutter to report back and help prevent collisions.”

The California-based company has undertaken a mission “to make transportation safer for both passengers and pedestrians.” Radar, LiDAR and visible camera sensors play a significant role in identifying people but—at night—thermal imaging can function at a more optimal capacity and therefore offers an additional and unique value within the industry’s suite of sensing technologies.

“Thermal imaging is so powerful that both humans and animals glow like light bulbs. A LiDAR sensor can’t differentiate the temperature difference between a 5-year-old and a fire hydrant. Our thermal imaging sensors can be integrated with LiDAR, radar and other sensors, ensuring the computer or human receives quality data and is fully aware of the environment and can make better decisions,” explains LeBeau. With the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandating automatic emergency braking standards are adopted across the U.S. auto market by 2022, Seek Thermal has the means to aid car manufacturers to build safer vehicles that complement LiDAR and radar technologies.

By investing in the required infrastructure to mass produce thermal imaging sensors, Seek Thermal has positioned itself to make giant strides in the coming years. Adds LeBeau, “When we started seven years ago, thermal imaging was more of a craft industry. We incorporated new technologies, robotics and automation into our manufacturing processes and are now primed to scale quickly. Within four years, we have already achieved more than 20 percent of the unit market share.”

While automotive safety and enhancement is a core tenet of the Seek Thermal mission, the company serves many other key stakeholders and vertical markets through a variety of products such as the Compact Series designed to turn smartphones into thermal imaging tools, and the Reveal Series catering to outdoor recreation such as boating and hunting. Seek Thermal also offers a range of OEM Thermal Camera Cores to deliver optimal performance in applications such as security surveillance and test and measurement. Though automotive is a key driver, Seek Thermal will continue to participate across verticals such as fire and safety and law enforcement, as well as expanding its predictive maintenance capabilities in Industrial IoT.

LeBeau concludes, “A few years ago, only five percent of firefighters had access to thermal imaging cameras. Recently, we developed a program for 100 percent of the Los Angeles Fire Department to be outfitted with thermal cameras. By 2022, we expect a wide range of implementation in the automotive industry due to lower costs and high value in creating a safer environment for drivers and pedestrians.”

Seek Thermal

Seek Thermal Launches Seek Scan Kiosk for Simple All-in-One Temperature Screening Solution

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Seek Thermal, the leading supplier of thermal sensors to the public safety market and one of the largest suppliers of all commercial thermal sensors globally, announced today the launch of its Seek Scan™ Kiosk, an all-in-one contactless thermal scanning solution that provides everything businesses, institutions and venues need to start temperature screening in minutes. Though the Seek Scan process has always provided an additional layer of preventive screening, the new Seek Scan Kiosk takes it a step further by including a Seek Scan Camera and Reference Heat Source, a 10" tablet, durable aluminum stands, and all required cables for the complete package right out of the box. Offered at $2,695 (MSRP), this is one of the most affordable thermal imaging systems that meets FDA guidelines for initial body temperature assessment during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

For employers and building operations specialists who wish to conduct daily in-person health checks of employees or visitors prior to entry, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Seek Scan system is designed to automate body temperature screening by using skin temperature as a proxy. With ±0.3°C (±0.5°F) of accuracy, it delivers the same performance as an infrared temporal thermometer – but automated from a safe social distance. In a few seconds, the thermal camera automatically detects a face, identifies the most reliable facial features for measurement and displays an alert if the readings are warmer than the customizable alarm temperature.

Adding convenience and control to office safety procedures, APIs for Seek Scan are available to business owners and integrators for access control, video management systems and other integrated capabilities. Additionally, a Seek Scan Kiosk Kit is now offered for existing Seek Scan customers looking to upgrade their system to a professional, self-contained kiosk that is perfect for any lobby or facility.

"Recognizing that a 'one size fits all' approach isn't always practical, the expansion of our Seek Scan product line is intended to provide new – and current – customers with the options that best suit their individual needs," said Mike Muench, President & CEO, Seek Thermal. "With the addition of the Seek Scan Kiosk and the Kiosk Kit, we are excited to offer our most complete, 'out of the box' thermal temperature screening solution that can be set up quickly and easily. This simple, attractive and affordable system is ideal for businesses of all sizes and categories looking to improve office health and safety procedures."

Seek Scan should not be used to diagnose, or exclude diagnosis of, COVID-19 or any other disease or condition. A diagnostic test by medical professionals must be performed to determine if someone has COVID-19. For more about the Seek Scan product line, including pricing and availability.

Seek Thermal Enters The Condition Monitoring Market With Their New Guardian Series Cameras

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Seek Thermal Inc., an innovator in the field of thermal imaging technology, presents the Seek Guardian Series, a comprehensive thermal monitoring solution designed for early fire detection, condition monitoring, and process control.

At the forefront of this series is the Seek G300 Thermal Camera, which detects potential issues preemptively through real-time temperature monitoring. By utilizing the Seek G300 thermal camera, enterprises can proactively identify and address potential problems, thereby ensuring heightened safety, improved efficiency, and substantial cost savings.

The Seek G300 incorporates cutting-edge thermal imaging technology and advanced analytics, empowering users to stay ahead of potential failures. The camera can be conveniently set up and operated via a web browser interface, eliminating the need for additional software or hardware.

Users can receive instant notifications and alerts when temperature thresholds are surpassed or unusual patterns are detected. The Seek Guardian Series cameras are a versatile choice for fixed-mount thermal monitoring, suitable for both standalone implementation and integration into existing systems.

Highlighted Features and Advantages:

• Equipped with a 320 x 240 Thermal Sensor featuring SV1: This configuration provides 76,800 temperature pixels, delivering enhanced detail, improved contrast, and greater edge clarity through Seek's SV1 Image Optimization technology.

• Multi-Area Monitoring: The Seek G300 allows the creation of multiple zones and points of interest in a single scene, complete with customizable temperature thresholds, alerts, and alarms.

• Early Fire Detection: The camera boasts built-in alarm analytics, enabling rapid and precise fire detection at its earliest stages. This capability significantly bolsters safety measures across various environments.

• Round-the-Clock Condition Monitoring: Businesses can identify heat-related issues before they escalate, thereby minimizing downtime and maximizing operational efficiency.

• Tailored Solutions: The camera can be configured using pre-built features in the web configurator, or it can be seamlessly integrated with existing systems through RESTful APIs.

• Resilient IP67 Rating: The camera is designed to endure harsh environments, featuring a ruggedized M12 PoE connector and durable housing. It's also compatible with third-party enclosures suitable for extreme conditions.

Affordable Excellence:

Sam Attrill, the Product Manager at Seek Thermal Inc., emphasized the company's dedication to innovation and customer-oriented solutions. He stated that the G300 Camera exemplifies their commitment to offering high-quality solutions at an affordable price point. Attrill anticipates that the Guardian Series will redefine how businesses approach predictive maintenance, early fire detection, and other future applications. These solutions are poised to enhance safety, efficiency, and resource savings across various industries.

The G300 camera is set to become an indispensable asset for businesses aiming to optimize operations and safeguard their assets in industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and critical infrastructure scenarios.

Top 20 Automotive Technology Companies - 2019

Company
Seek Thermal

Management
Tim LeBeau, Chief Commercial Officer

Description
An automotive technology solution provider that provides high-resolution thermal imaging sensors to car manufacturers. Though automotive is its key driver, Seek Thermal participates across verticals such as fire and safety and law enforcement, as well as expanding its predictive maintenance capabilities in Industrial IoT. Some of its products include the Compact Series designed to turn smartphones into thermal imaging tools, and the Reveal Series catering to outdoor recreation such as boating and hunting. Seek Thermal also offers a range of OEM Thermal Camera Cores to deliver optimal performance in applications such as security surveillance and test and measurement

Seek Thermal Assisting the Automotive Industry To See the Unseen