Hasta La Ideas

We’ve often looked at how new applications of camera technology, from quadrotors to GoPros to sequential shooting, can be used to create thrilling footage. But these are often used for purely artistic effect. Now some Formula One racing teams are experimenting with alternate imaging for scientific and diagnostic effect. In last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, UK-based Force India kitted out their VJM06 car—a technological masterpiece of carbon fiber, aluminum and a sort of super-Kevlar called Zylon—with an onboard thermal imaging camera. By producing a simple color scheme ranging from purple to orange, and greying out everything that’s not hot, it allows technicians to see where and how hot the tires get. Have a look:

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