Thomas, a special forces dog handler, faced challenges when his canine companion, Fusil, went out of sight during missions. Unable to communicate or monitor Fusil’s movements, Thomas felt a need for a solution. This led him to conceive a system that would allow seamless communication and vision sharing between him and his four-legged partner.
Collaborating with his colleagues in the special forces branch of the gendarmerie GIGN, Thomas explored various ideas to address the issue. While existing canine cameras posed limitations in maintaining stability and obstructing the dog’s movements, Thomas envisioned integrating a camera into eye-protection goggles for dogs.
Approaching a French company, Morin, known for manufacturing canine products, Thomas found a receptive audience for his concept. With a vision to enhance communication and visibility between handler and dog, Thomas embarked on a journey to develop what is now known as the K9 Vision System.
Leaving his active duty temporarily, Thomas established T&S Concepts with a friend, Stéphane, to work on the project. The challenge lay in creating a high-quality video and radio transmission system that synchronizes what the dog sees and hears with real-time transmission to the handler.
The K9 Vision System comprises goggles equipped with two miniature cameras providing a wide field of view. These cameras, along with LED lights on the goggles, are controlled by a handheld receiver-controller unit, ensuring instant data transmission with encrypted communication.
Additionally, the system includes a collar with a microphone for the handler to hear what the dog hears, and a radio with loudspeakers for the dog to receive commands. Both the goggles and collar are designed to withstand water exposure for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 3 feet.
Upon introducing Fusil, Thomas’s Belgian Malinois, to the goggles, the dog quickly adapted to the new eyewear, displaying excitement during work sessions. While some dogs may take longer to adjust, the overall reception to the K9 Vision System has been positive among various commando and special forces units globally.
Despite the significant price tag attached to the system, ranging from $33,000 to $35,000, interest from military groups in France, the US, and other nations remains strong. The innovation brought forth by Thomas and his team showcases the evolving landscape of technology in enhancing operational capabilities for active-duty canines.
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