Thermavis, the AI-powered thermal imaging system, has launched the Multi-Person Thermal Scanner following a £3 million investment in research and development. The non-intrusive scanner can accurately read the body temperature of up to six people at once with an accuracy of 0.5 degrees centigrade.

The scanner can be used to help protect workers from COVID-19 by remotely detecting individuals with an elevated body temperature, one of the primary symptoms of the disease.

WHY IT MATTERS

As lockdown restrictions are being eased and more and more businesses are reopening, there is an increased risk to workers of contracting the disease. This is particularly true in healthcare, as non-COVID-19-related treatments are reintroduced, bringing potentially vulnerable people into a high-risk environment.

Thermavis have highlighted construction, government, offices and hospitality as other potential use areas.

The scanner takes a primary reading from the tear duct, where there are least likely to be body-heat anomalies or interference from face masks. It also takes a second reading from the forehead to accommodate glasses-wearers.

It is a non-contact device, meaning operators do not need to come into close contact with suspected carriers. Roughly the size of a smartphone, the unobstructive device is easy to move and can be fitted in doorways and entrances, facing lifts or in other high-traffic areas to ensure a maximum reading. This real-time reading is relayed to a remote tablet – or to any connected Windows device – and allows multiple monitoring points, cloud connectivity and screen sharing.

THE LARGER PICTURE

Transputec, the IT solutions provider and parent company to Thermavis, were keen to develop a low-cost unobtrusive scanner unlike others on the market so as to ensure heat-monitoring was an accessible option for most businesses.

Similar solutions have been trialed in Singapore and Taiwan, and D-Link also recently launched a screening camera to monitor group skin-surface temperatures in public places. 

ON THE RECORD

Mark Nightingale, COO of Thermavis, commented: “The COVID-19 crisis has caused huge challenges for the health and wellbeing of front-line workers who play a vital role in the running of hospitals, social care and keeping our transport infrastructure running. Likewise, for many businesses returning to work following the lifting of lockdown measures, the issue of keeping staff safe from infection is a top priority.”

He continued: “Our new state-of-the art Thermavis product range is specifically designed to enable efficient and non-intrusive temperature testing. Our cutting-edge hardware combined with the AI-enabled software has left us with a product which is not prone to anomalies or faults, and can be integrated across workplaces, venues, and hospitality locations with ease to get the economy moving again.”

Sonny Sehgal, CEO of Transputec, added: “We’re thrilled to unveil the latest addition to the Transputec portfolio of products and services. Our dedicated team of scientists, engineers, developers and innovators have worked hard to develop a product that will enable employers to swiftly test employees and customers for temperature irregularities, ensuring that suspected cases of COVID-19 can be quickly identified and addressed, protecting staff from risk.”