Sensors Lab & Research — Thermal Sensing Validation

Lab validation methods

We combine chamber-based experiments, controlled real-world testbeds, and statistical analysis to evaluate sensor performance.

Controlled chamber testing

Chamber tests allow precise control of temperature, humidity, and thermal sources. Typical chamber protocols include:

• Calibrated thermal targets to represent human-scale heat sources
• Stepwise variation of ambient temperature and airflow to quantify drift
• Repeatable occupancy sequences (single person, groups, staggered entries) to measure detection and latency
• Long-duration soak tests to evaluate stability and noise characteristics

These methods make it possible to derive sensitivity curves, limit-of-detection, and standardized performance reports.

Real-world testbeds

Chambers are complemented by on-site deployments in representative environments:

• Offices and classrooms to test typical occupancy patterns
• Corridors and lobbies for transient detection performance
• Laboratories and clinical spaces to assess privacy requirements and compliance

Real-world testing validates chamber findings and assesses integration behavior with building systems and analytics platforms.

Technical validation highlights

Key findings typically reported in our validation summaries include:

• Occupancy detection accuracy: percentage of correct detections across scenarios
• Latency: median and 95th percentile detection times
• Spatial fidelity: granularity of heat maps and ability to distinguish adjacent occupants
• Environmental robustness: performance degradation thresholds for temperature and airflow
• Reliability: mean time between failures (MTBF) and continuous operation metrics

Validation reports present data in clear tables and graphs, with methods and raw test conditions documented for reproducibility.

Publications & case studies

We document validation work through whitepapers, lab reports, and case studies co-authored with research partners. Typical contents:

• Test protocols and chamber specifications
• Aggregated performance metrics and statistical analysis
• Comparative studies vs. common alternatives (PIR, camera-based systems)
• Use-case demonstrations (e.g., occupancy optimization, energy savings)

Researchers and procurement teams can request anonymized datasets and supporting materials for peer review or replication.

How labs and researchers can collaborate

We welcome collaborations with academic labs, standards organizations, and industry test facilities. Common collaboration options:

• Provide sensors and data access for university research projects
• Co-design chamber experiments and publish joint whitepapers
• Run third-party validation under agreed test protocols
• Offer short-term loaner kits for classroom or lab teaching exercises

Collaborative agreements cover data anonymization, intellectual property, and publication rights to protect participants and preserve privacy.

Calibration & QA procedures

Reliable lab sensors require calibrated measurement chains and routine QA. Our standard procedures include:

• Factory calibration against thermal references and drift compensation
• Field calibration checks using portable thermal targets
• Periodic firmware and sensor self-checks for noise and sensitivity
• Logging and version control of calibration data for auditability
• Environmental qualification tests to identify operation limits

Documentation and calibration reports are available to support procurement and regulatory review.

Virtual lab and teaching resources

For educators and training programs, we offer virtual demos and simulated sensor data to illustrate thermal sensing concepts without hardware setup. Resources include:

• Interactive demos of anonymized heat maps and occupancy timelines
• Classroom-ready modules explaining sensor physics and privacy design
• Example datasets for student analysis and modeling exercises
• Guidance for integrating virtual lab data into coursework or lab exercises

Virtual resources are an effective way to teach sensor fundamentals while preserving facilities and minimizing setup time.

Requesting test data and next steps

If you need lab validation data, sample devices, or a custom test protocol, typical next steps are:

• Define objectives: specify metrics, scenarios, and environmental conditions of interest
• Agree on test protocol and deliverables: validation report format and data access
• Schedule a test window or request loaner hardware for your lab
• Receive results, including raw anonymized datasets and interpretive summary

Suggested CTAs: Request lab validation data, Schedule a virtual demo, or Download the datasheet for device specifications.

FAQ

• How do Butlr sensors differ from camera or PIR systems? Butlr sensors measure anonymous thermal signatures, not images. They provide continuous occupancy and heat-map analytics while avoiding personally identifiable information.
• What types of lab tests have been performed? We use chamber-based experiments, controlled real-world deployments, and long-duration soak tests to quantify accuracy, latency, environmental robustness, and reliability.
• Can educators use a virtual lab/demo for teaching? Yes. Virtual demos and sample datasets are available to illustrate sensor behavior and support classroom exercises without hardware setup.
• How is data anonymized and stored? Sensor outputs are aggregated heat values and occupancy events rather than raw imagery. Validation datasets are shared in anonymized formats suitable for research collaboration.
• How do I get started with a custom test? Contact our research partnerships team with your objectives and constraints to define a protocol and delivery timeline.

Closing

Rigorous sensors lab work turns thermal sensing concepts into dependable products and reproducible research. Whether you are a researcher, educator, or facilities manager, validated thermal sensing can provide privacy-forward occupancy insights and a clear path to integration. To begin, request lab validation data, schedule a virtual demo, or ask for a datasheet and calibration protocol.