Explore Topics:
AIBiotechnologyRoboticsComputingFutureScienceSpaceEnergyTech

This Augmented Reality Helmet Helps Firefighters See Through Smoke to Save Lives

SingularityHub Staff
Jun 28, 2017

Share

Sam Cossman was hit by a big idea next to a lava lake. With his sight obscured by fumes and vapors, he couldn’t be confident of his next step. Traditional thermal imaging was a solution, but not an ideal one. So, Cossman cofounded Qwake Tech with Dr. John Long, Ömer Haciömeroglu, and Bahar Wadia.

Qwake Tech's augmented reality helmet.

Qwake Tech’s augmented reality system, C-Thru, is built into a futuristic helmet and relies on a thermal imaging camera, toxicity sensors, edge detection, and an AR display to cut through smoke with useful visuals. It might have been born in a volcano, but Qwake Tech thinks the system has wider applications in disaster situations, such as a burning building.

The company is working with firefighters to improve current handheld thermal imaging, which requires a firefighter to stop, hold up a device, look through it, interpret the display, put it down, and move forward. C-Thru's display is positioned in front of the eyes, providing a hands-free AR video feed. It further clarifies the video by highlighting key details with bright edges. The company says this will allow firefighters to move much more quickly through buildings.

Be Part of the Future

Sign up to receive top stories about groundbreaking technologies and visionary thinkers from SingularityHub.

100% Free. No Spam. Unsubscribe any time.

"The ability to see in the types of environments that we work in is a game-changer for our industry," says Tom Calvert, Menlo Park Fire Protection District battalion chief. "It could mean the difference between life and death."

Image Credit: Qwake Tech

SingularityHub chronicles the technological frontier with coverage of the breakthroughs, players, and issues shaping the future.

Related Articles

This Week’s Awesome Tech Stories From Around the Web (Through February 8)

This Week’s Awesome Tech Stories From Around the Web (Through February 8)

SingularityHub Staff
Anthropic Unveils the Strongest Defense Against AI Jailbreaks Yet

Anthropic Unveils the Strongest Defense Against AI Jailbreaks Yet

Edd Gent
Forget Nvidia: DeepSeek AI Runs Near Instantaneously on These Weird Chips

Forget Nvidia: DeepSeek AI Runs Near Instantaneously on These Weird Chips

Jason Dorrier
This Week’s Awesome Tech Stories From Around the Web (Through February 8)

This Week’s Awesome Tech Stories From Around the Web (Through February 8)

SingularityHub Staff
Anthropic Unveils the Strongest Defense Against AI Jailbreaks Yet
Artificial Intelligence

Anthropic Unveils the Strongest Defense Against AI Jailbreaks Yet

Edd Gent
Forget Nvidia: DeepSeek AI Runs Near Instantaneously on These Weird Chips
Computing

Forget Nvidia: DeepSeek AI Runs Near Instantaneously on These Weird Chips

Jason Dorrier

What we’re reading

Be Part of the Future

Sign up to receive top stories about groundbreaking technologies and visionary thinkers from SingularityHub.

100% Free. No Spam. Unsubscribe any time.

SingularityHub chronicles the technological frontier with coverage of the breakthroughs, players, and issues shaping the future.

Follow Us On Social

About

  • About Hub
  • About Singularity

Get in Touch

  • Contact Us
  • Pitch Us
  • Brand Partnerships

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
© 2025 Singularity