25 July 25 2014—Infrared sensor giant Flir Systems (Wilsonville, Ore., U.S.A.) announced this week the launch of its “One” thermal sensor for iPhone 5 and 5s. The One infrared imaging accessory for smartphones allows thermal imaging when combined with an iPhone app.
For many years, one third of Flir’s annual revenue came from defense and government contracts, particularly surveillance and detectors for special forces. But cuts in the federal procurement budget have resulted in a loss of much of Flir’s defense revenue. Recently the company has refocused on commercial electronics products, such as thermal imaging cameras for the automotive market.
The Flir One thermal imaging accessory weighs just 3.9 ounces and was designed to operate continuously for two hours on its own rechargeable battery. The first production run for the Flir One, which has a suggested price of $349.99, is expected to be in the thousands but could be quickly ramped up, says Andy Teich, chief executive officer at Flir Systems.