DHS opens C-THRU navigation device testing for firefighters

“We know that improved equipment and technology for first responders will help save lives and protect firefighters,” said Dr. Dimitri Kusnezov, DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology. “Through partnerships with industry, S&T supports the development of devices like C-THRU that solve challenges we know exist for first responders, and leverage emerging technology to address their most pressing needs.”
The C-THRU is non-contact, lightweight and balanced. The system includes a high-speed thermal camera, mounted on the C-THRU and similar to those currently used by firefighters, that records the surrounding area. The computer processor in the device uses artificial intelligence capabilities to provide enhanced visibility and directional guidance to exits, victims, downed firefighters, and can also identify walls, furniture or other obstructions. The C-THRU is connected to a cellular network, and the thermal camera simultaneously transmits a live line of sight from the firefighter to incident commanders outside the fire for real-time support or post-incident review.

In addition to providing a clearer, live view of the surroundings, C-THRU also helps firefighters reorient themselves with reverse navigation that provides turn-by-turn directions. If a firefighter becomes lost in a burning building, a mayday function can be activated, which notifies other C-THRU users in the area to find the rescuer. Like a smartphone, the system will continue to improve through over-the-air software updates.

Since 2015, Qwake has developed and tested over ten prototypes and in 2020 began working with S&T to take on the “holy grail” challenge of autonomous indoor navigation. Through the agreement with Qwake, S&T provided contract funding and expert oversight for C-THRU research and development. The organizations began working with a select group of first responder teams to participate in operational field testing in subsequent years. Their feedback informed this next phase of investment (increasing the total contract value to $8.4 million) to further test C-THRU on a larger, national scale.