Vodafone UK readies IoT heat detection camera for Covid-19 screening

Camera powered by Vodafone IoT network uses thermal imaging to screen temperatures as people enter buildings

Vodafone UK has teamed up with UK digital surveillance company Digital Barriers on a heat detection camera to help organisations get back to work safely during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The thermal imaging device, powered by Vodafone’s IoT connectivity tech, will allow companies to screen the temperature of staff and other visitors as they enter buildings and is capable of checking the temperature of 100 people per minute and eight individuals simultaneously, the companies said.

Digital Barriers has provided the underlying software and hardware for the solution. The UK-headquartered company’s surveillance technology is used in over 60 countries across defence and national security, law enforcement, border security, first responders, critical national infrastructure, transportation agencies, automotive and mobility and private security.

The images capture by the device are securely streamed in real time to endpoint devices and then analysed to determine if a person has a raised temperature, a process that Vodafone and Digital Barriers claimed takes less than half a second to complete.

The companies said any results will provide an initial indication of infection that should be then investigated using standard clinical evaluation methods.

Organisations need no additional IT infrastructure apart from an internet connection to install the device, development of which was assisted by tech incubator Tomorrow Street and the Vodafone Business 5G accelerator. The camera is launched and is being marketed to all business and public sector customers in the UK.

“The Heat Detection Camera brings together Vodafone’s expertise in IoT with innovative technology and a secure managed service to create an enterprise-grade solution that protects employees and front-of-house staff,” said Scott Petty, CTO at Vodafone UK.

“Our IoT network can connect many cameras quickly and without disruption in almost any location; and our ongoing partnership with Digital Barriers provides reassurance that the underlying software and hardware is engineered to the highest standards.”

Zak Doffman, CEO at Digital Barriers, said Vodafone’s technology will ensure the camera is supported by a “world-class IoT network”.

“Partnering with Vodafone UK to bring this to market will ensure it is widely available and supported by a world-class IoT network and managed services operation,” he said.

The heat detection camera is available as part of Vodafone UK’s Smart Vision portfolio. It comes with a laptop and tablet, full installation, and a 24/7 secure managed service for organisations with late working hours. The managed service monitors the system infrastructure and field engineers will be sent if a camera fails.

The Heat Detection Camera is available on a 12-month term at £1,711 (excl.VAT) per month. Other pricing models are available.