Probably the worlds least expensive thermal drone kit anywhere. the Parrot Bebop Thermal with a FLIR-ONE camera mounted on the back end of a bebop drone.
Thanks for covering this since we did not get to this one. Just to confirm, I though you said it was not a good solution for SAR work? Is that correct? Tim from the #demunseed team (Jim Bowers)
Hey Tim, hmmmmmm nope, I would say its a fairly poor solution for SAR work, its a 60x80px thermal sensor, exact same as the FLIR-ONE unit you can stick on an iPhone or android unit. I feel its a fairly workable solution for typical roof-insulation-wall etc inspections, could probably do solar panels with a bit of good will. but mostly at $1500 is a solution for people who need a simple thermal solution but no great details or accuracy.
Says on the info I have looked at that the specs for the Flir One Pro camera that comes with it has a resolution of 160x120 Thats still not super compared to some drone thermal cameras like the flir vue but is far better than the 80x60 you describe
I like how this company is going into those niche market with much lower price and yet not compromising in quality. Bo, can this be flown within building, like large warehouses? Or only outside?
Dont see why not, the bebop have drift-camera for indoor flying. however keep in mind its got no obstacle avoidance. Welllll Parrot DO compromise quality a bit, this is not the same thermal or flying quality as an XT thermal on a inspire ;-) BUT its also 10% of the cost, soooo with that I think its legit, and it can perform some inspections that really don't require a 10,000 camera. :-) This bird IS already on the market for a while and is successful with the same contractors using a FLIR-ONE on a smartphone, because its enough for the job
its a VERY small thermal, however the FLIR-ONE pro is quite successful with contractors, because its 300bucks, and its a "good enough for the job" situation. the bebop-thermal is literally a flying FLIR-one pro, and they have been very successful selling these for that niche of the market where 10k solutions simply is overkill and out of budget range as well. :-)
They have sold quite a lot more than 10 of these, this is actually not a new product, but one of those "typical parrot commercial plays" that appeal to a very specific group of users.
