Walleye's Microwave Camera Brings X-ray Vision Home

By: Tim McKeoughWed Jan 14, 2009 at 1:45 PM

Walleye's camera, shown here in a rendering, captures microwave images of what lies beneath. | Photograph courtesy of Walleye

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What handyman hasn't wished for the power to see through walls and know if that drill will hit wire or pipe? Massachusetts-based Walleye Technologies plans to offer that capability in late 2009 with handheld microwave cameras that see past the surface. "It's been known for some time that microwave technology can be used to generate images," says CEO Chris Adams, noting that the primary obstacle to Superman-like vision has always been price. "We were able to reduce the cost of the key components from a couple of thousand dollars to a few dollars, which brings it in line with what consumers will be willing to spend." After some initial help from industrial-design firm Altitude, the first Walleye camera on store shelves is expected to be a construction tool. Walleye is also exploring other applications for the technology, including handheld security cameras for peering into suspect boxes -- no superhero tights required.

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