The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through its Science and Technology Directorate, conducted an operational field assessment (OFA) of the C-THRU device by Qwake Technologies at the San Diego Fire-Rescue Training Facility.
Despite previous requests from other testing entities, including Insight Training LLC, Qwake Technologies has limited information available to third parties.
According to Andy Starnes of Insight Training LLC, his organization was involved in early fundraising efforts for Qwake but has not received testing access to the device.
Consequently, the DHS report serves as one of the primary assessments available on the C-THRU device.
The DHS’s evaluation focused on the device’s usability, compatibility with personal protective equipment (PPE), and effectiveness in low-visibility scenarios.
The device, known as the C-THRU Navigator, features a helmet-mounted augmented reality display that combines thermal imaging with real-time navigation for enhanced firefighter safety.
DHS noted that while the device was tested for usability, specific extreme environment durability tests were deferred and are set to be included in later certification stages.
At the San Diego Fire-Rescue Training Center, firefighters performed standard response tasks while using C-THRU in simulated smoke and heated environments.
As part of the OFA, the device was tested in multiple exercises, including search-and-rescue tasks and incident command operations.
DHS’s report indicated that the system’s thermal imaging and navigation capabilities offered clear object outlines in smoke-filled conditions, enhancing responders’ situational awareness.
During the evaluation, DHS identified some design changes that affected the testing scope.
Initially intended to integrate with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) masks, the device was modified, rendering SCBA mask compatibility requirements unnecessary.
DHS evaluators noted that while C-THRU improved situational awareness and navigation, participants also mentioned weight balance issues and mild discomfort due to the helmet’s altered fit.
Additionally, connectivity challenges emerged, particularly in environments with limited cellular infrastructure, suggesting a need for reliability enhancements in rural settings.
The C-THRU system includes the Visual Command app, designed to provide incident commanders with live video feeds from responders’ helmet-mounted devices.
DHS evaluators found the application beneficial for enhancing command awareness and response coordination.
Through Visual Command, commanders could track responder positions and communicate essential orders.
However, the DHS report highlighted areas for improvement, recommending larger and more visible Mayday alerts, and an audio alert option for better recognition in emergency situations.
Evaluators remarked that Visual Command’s real-time view and event alerts were valuable for situational awareness.
However, as reported by DHS, cellular connectivity limits could impact real-time communications in challenging terrains.
DHS evaluators suggested exploring alternative communication options to improve video feed reliability in such scenarios.
The DHS evaluation of Qwake Technologies’ C-THRU device underscores its potential benefits in enhancing firefighter navigation and situational awareness.
Although tested in controlled environments with simulated smoke, DHS acknowledged the need for further assessments, particularly to examine the device’s durability under extreme conditions.
The organization plans to include these tests in future certifications.
For organizations like Insight Training LLC, which has followed C-THRU’s development since 2018, further data on the device’s real-world applicability and extreme environment resilience remains a priority.
As Insight Training’s Andy Starnes said: “We have not been given an opportunity to test and evaluate this device and can only share what was published and shared online.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security conducted a field assessment of Qwake Technologies’ C-THRU system, a helmet-mounted augmented reality device intended for use in low-visibility firefighting conditions.
Despite controlled conditions with simulated smoke, DHS reported that C-THRU improved responders’ navigation capabilities.
However, some issues, such as helmet balance and connectivity in rural settings, were identified.
A planned follow-up evaluation will address the device’s durability in extreme environments.
Insight Training LLC’s Andy Starnes noted that limited access to the C-THRU device has prevented third-party testing.
DHS’s assessment remains one of the few evaluations publicly available on this emerging technology.
