As video surveillance companies look to recover lost revenue, temperature detection capabilities have become a hot commodity. Elevated body temperature detection cameras are starting to hit the market, and the market for “COVID-19” may be worth billions of dollars this year. It’s certainly the fastest growing segment in the security industry today.

Currently, the physical products that we all know, such as video surveillance cameras, are on a somewhat downward spiral, meaning there is a downward sales pressure on camera manufacturers.

Camera manufacturers who can respond to the “fever camera” demand can put themselves in an enviable position of a long-term win over the next year or so.

Hanwha Techwin has confirmed that they are entering this market, and they are developing a temperature detection camera that is expected to make its debut later this year. Hanwha Techwin is using its thermal imaging technology that will be able to detect body temperature. “We believe that body temperature detection cameras and other technology will play an important role in the future,” said Miguel Lazatin, senior director of marketing at Hanwha Techwin America.

Camera Demand
Why such a demand for a product like this? How long will the demand last? By implementing a “fever camera,” some believe businesses can open, school classrooms can be filled again, and shopping can start anew. The question remains if implementing these cameras will build consumer confidence.

Given the fact that businesses are losing millions of dollars in revenue, the “fever camera” seems to be a means to restore trust and confidence, and may be a reason to drive a decision.

FLIR Systems has seen an “exponential increase in demand,” said Frank Pennisi, president of the FLIR industrial business unit. He also said the company is “having to prioritize hospitals and medical facilities.” FLIR is having difficulty meeting demand, frequently with one to two month backorders for these products.

Thermoteknix (United Kingdom) saw first quarter sales triple this year.

Ogpal (Israel) adjusted an industrial camera for fever detection and has sold 1,000 units in two months, more than the original model sold during seven years of existence, according to Reuters.

Mobotix says its thermal camera sales were up 175 percent year-on-year in April, and projected to be up well over 300 percent” for May, thanks to deals with government, hospitals, educational institutions and retailers. Most projects are either large scale multi-site deployments 2-300+ devices [or] up to 1,000 for single sites across government buildings, healthcare and any public locations where gatherings or people could interact.

Dahua Security has already released thermal temperature solutions to the market with a price point for the entire system at about $21,000.

The Dahua Thermal Temperature Monitoring Solution combines the latest hybrid thermal network camera, a blackbody calibration device, and an NVR with Facial Recognition to monitor temperatures within large groups of people at a distance. The solution delivers contactless and continuous non-invasive detection of elevated skin temperatures. Accurate temperature monitoring can reduce false positives, minimizing the number of people sent to secondary inspection, reducing manpower requirements and improving personnel safety.

Here are just a few examples:
Tyson Foods is the largest meat producer in the United States, and has installed 150 thermal scanners in its meat processing facilities.

Amazon is deploying thermal cameras in its U.S. warehouses; the number of units are not known but Amazon has at least 110 warehouses in the United States, and more than 185 facilities worldwide.

Carnival Cruise Lines has ordered fever screening cameras from ICI to screen passengers and crew.

Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox said Sunday that the Las Vegas Strip could reopen late next month with extensive safety measures in place, including thermal cameras and social distancing requirements at the company’s hotels. Points of entry will be limited to allow the Wynn Resorts’ security team to conduct noninvasive temperature checks using thermal cameras. Anyone displaying a temperature over 100.0°F will be taken to a private area for a secondary temporal temperature screening. Employees or guests confirmed to have a temperature over 100.0°F will not be allowed entry to the property and will be directed towards appropriate medical care.

Sustaining Business
The prospects of a “fever camera” overtaking the CCTV market seem slim. Sales are dependent upon the prospect of COVID-19 lingering throughout 2020 and beyond. No one really knows if there’s a market for this type of solution going forward.

People are anxious to get back to work, but will businesses insist on employees not coming to work with a high human temperature, and stop a person from entering a building. Time will tell.