The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has collaborated with Austin, Texas startup Qwake Technologies to develop a helmet-mounted indoor visualization and navigation device called C-THRU. This technology allows first responders to see through dark smoke, providing a clear, real-time view of their surroundings for improved safety and efficiency.
The C-THRU device is equipped with a high-speed thermal camera that captures surroundings and offers navigation features such as turn-by-turn guidance for backtracking. In case a firefighter becomes lost in a burning building, a mayday function can be activated to alert other C-THRU wearers in the vicinity to find the distressed first responder.
Fire departments across the country can now apply for this technology through the DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate (S&T). There are 400 prototype devices available for fire departments to apply for. Dr. Dimitri Kusnezov, DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology, stated that improved equipment and technology for first responders can help save lives and protect firefighters. By collaborating with industry partners, S&T aims to address challenges faced by first responders and meet their most urgent needs using emerging technology.
The C-THRU device is designed to continuously improve through over-the-air software updates, similar to a smartphone. With this valuable tool, firefighters can navigate and access critical information in challenging environments more efficiently than ever before.
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