SWIR Cameras for Unmanned Systems & Robotics

SWIR (short wave infrared) cameras capture frequencies on the electromagnetic spectrum that are invisible to the human eye and may range from 700 up to 3000 nanometres. The exact range defined as SWIR varies according to application and historical usage. 

Most SWIR imagers use indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) sensors, and some use other materials such as mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe) or lead sulfide (PbS). Depending on the pixel pitch, SWIR imaging can achieve a variety of resolutions, including Full HD (1920 x 1080) and beyond.

SWIR Camera Technology

High-sensitivity SXGA format SenS 1280 SWIR camera for drones & robotics by New Imaging Technologies

SWIR camera technology offers a variety of advantages over other imaging methods. It provides high-resolution and high-quality imaging under all lighting conditions both during the day and at night. 

Drone SWIR cameras are typically designed to be low-SWaP (size, weight and power), and may be provided in an OEM form factor or in robust enclosures that may be engineered with a certain level of ingress protection against dust and water.

They may have a range of video outputs, including SDI, HDMI, USB, and GigE (Gigabit Ethernet), and control interfaces such as RS232/RS-485 serial and CANBus. Storage capabilities may include built-in SD card slots, and interfaces for external storage drives.

Other features included in SWIR cameras designed for drones and robotics include trigger and sync I/O, automatic gain control, and automatic switching between linear operation for maximum sensitivity and logarithmic operation for maximum dynamic range under changing conditions.

Short Wave Infrared Camera Applications

SWIR camera technology can be used to see through fog and smoke as well as certain materials such as glass and water. SWIR imaging is thus invaluable for a wide range of drone and robotics use cases.

SWIR Camera Use Cases

WiDySenS dual-response VGA resolution InGaAs SWIR camera by Sierra-Olympia Technologies

Search & Rescue

In search and rescue missions, time is critical, and the ability to see through challenging conditions such as fog, dust, or darkness is vital. SWIR cameras are exceptionally suited for these scenarios because they can detect thermal signatures even in low-visibility environments. SWIR imaging enhances the ability of UAS, drones, and ground robots to locate missing persons or disaster victims by penetrating environmental obscurants like smoke or dust. Unlike traditional thermal imaging, SWIR can also detect moisture or blood, which could help rescuers identify signs of life or injury more effectively.

Firefighting

In firefighting, visibility is often hampered by thick smoke, making it difficult to assess the exact location and size of the fire. Traditional thermal cameras help, but SWIR cameras offer a unique advantage because they can “see” through smoke and haze more effectively due to their ability to capture infrared light in the short-wave spectrum. This allows firefighters, especially those using unmanned systems, to have a clearer view of the scene even when visibility is compromised by dense smoke.

SWIR cameras mounted on aerial or ground robots can help firefighters locate the fire source, track its movement, and identify safe paths for evacuation or entry. This technology can be deployed in real-time to monitor structural fires, forest fires, or industrial fires, enabling a more strategic approach to fire suppression. Additionally, SWIR imaging can help in detecting residual hotspots that could reignite after the main fire has been extinguished, ensuring that no part of the fire remains unaddressed.

Precision Agriculture

In precision agriculture, monitoring crop health and soil conditions are key to improving yield and sustainability. SWIR cameras mounted on drones or ground-based robots can detect water absorption and moisture levels in plants because they are sensitive to water’s unique absorption properties in the short-wave infrared spectrum. By capturing these details, SWIR imaging helps farmers identify areas of over- or under-watering, which leads to better irrigation management and resource efficiency.

Furthermore, SWIR cameras can detect other important indicators of crop health, such as plant stress due to drought, disease, or nutrient deficiencies, by analyzing how plants reflect infrared light in the short-wave spectrum. With this data, farmers can optimize the application of fertilizers, pesticides, and water, promoting healthier crops and improving yields. In the context of large-scale farming operations, the deployment of SWIR-enabled drones allows for rapid assessment across vast areas, reducing manual labor and increasing the precision of interventions, such as targeted spraying or irrigation.

Industrial Inspection

In industrial settings, particularly in facilities like solar farms, factories, and energy plants, safety and efficiency hinge on the ability to quickly detect defects or signs of failure. SWIR cameras excel in non-destructive testing and industrial inspection, especially for monitoring overheating, identifying micro-cracks in solar panels, or inspecting high-temperature machinery.

SWIR imaging can detect surface and subsurface defects in solar panels that are invisible to visible-spectrum cameras. For instance, micro-cracks, delamination, or hotspots that could compromise the efficiency and safety of solar panels can be revealed by SWIR, enabling predictive maintenance before catastrophic failures occur.

Additionally, SWIR-equipped unmanned systems can conduct remote monitoring of critical infrastructure, such as power lines, pipelines, and refinery equipment, identifying areas of overheating or structural wear and tear. This real-time, remote sensing capability enhances safety by preventing human inspectors from entering hazardous areas and provides an automated way to monitor performance and preemptively address faults.

Military & Security

In the military and security sectors, situational awareness is essential, especially in complex, hostile environments where visibility may be reduced due to darkness, camouflage, or environmental conditions. SWIR cameras provide superior capabilities for target detection and identification because they can detect objects that are otherwise hidden in shadows or under camouflage by capturing reflections from natural and artificial light sources in the short-wave infrared spectrum.

Unmanned systems equipped with SWIR cameras can be used for long-range surveillance, detecting and identifying targets even in low-light or no-light conditions. This makes them valuable for night-time operations or in environments where adversaries employ stealth techniques. SWIR imaging is also highly effective for counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) missions, as it can help detect and track small drones or enemy vehicles that might be otherwise difficult to see with conventional cameras.

SWIR technology can also penetrate obscurants like smoke, haze, or dust, which is particularly beneficial in battlefield surveillance and reconnaissance missions. When integrated with AI-driven analytics, SWIR cameras can rapidly classify and track targets, providing military personnel with actionable intelligence to improve decision-making during operations.