FLIR Systems to integrate thermal imaging camera into DJI drones

A partnership between FLIR Systems, Inc. and civilian drone company DJI will provide their Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual drone with Lepton microthermal imaging cameras for greater close-range capability.

The Lepton is a compact camera, integrated into drone systems to give pilots greater side-by-side thermal and visible imagery options. A separate camera will handle the visible aspect, while multispectral dynamic imaging will help emboss high-fidelity, visible-light details on the thermal imagery.

“By integrating our Lepton thermal sensor within the DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual, we are helping bring thermal imaging capabilities to more first responders, industrial operators, and law enforcement personnel who increasingly rely on drone technology to save lives and livelihoods,” Jim Cannon, president and CEO of FLIR, said. “Thanks to the Lepton thermal sensor’s small size, weight and cost, it has proven to be a transformational technology that brings the superpower of thermal to more of the world than ever before.”

It will also allow these drones to fly in — and be useful in — more conditions, including night flights and foggy skies, according to DJI President Roger Luo. The new drone, with the included technology, will be displayed at the Consumer Electronics Show 2019 in Las Vegas later this month.