How an inconspicuous piece of software is revolutionising thermography – Interview with FLIR expert Ignacio Vilches Rojo

In a world of growing security risks, the ability to accurately assess situations in real time is becoming increasingly important. Many security professionals have already heard of FLIR Nexus – but what exactly is behind this technology? And what specific added value does it offer in the field of thermography? We spoke to Ignacio Vilches Rojo, Security Software Architect at FLIR and one of the leading minds behind Nexus. In this interview, he explains why Nexus is more than just a protocol – it’s a new way of thinking about security architecture.

Mr Vilches Rojo, many in the industry are familiar with FLIR Nexus by name – but what exactly is it?

FLIR Nexus is both a software framework and a proprietary communication protocol. It connects our cameras and sensors directly to each other – without a central server. This creates an intelligent, decentralised architecture that works in real time. The goal is to enable end-to-end situational awareness – a complete, dynamic understanding of the environment.

What exactly does ‘situational awareness’ mean in a security context?

It’s about fully understanding a situation: What is happening right now? Where exactly is it happening? What does this mean for security? Many of today’s systems detect movement, but fail to interpret it. Nexus ensures that all information – from radar, thermal imaging and video cameras, for example – is correctly linked together. This creates a clear picture of the situation, allowing you to react immediately.

How does Nexus differ from traditional system architectures?

The biggest difference is that there is no central software server. All devices – cameras, sensors, radar systems – are directly connected to each other via Nexus. This reduces costs, increases reliability and makes installation easier. What’s more, the devices not only communicate with each other, they also understand each other. When a target moves through the field of view, one camera automatically ‘hands over’ tracking to the next – including precise geodata.

What does this mean in concrete terms for thermography applications?

The quality of data is essential in thermography. FLIR Nexus provides access to all image processing parameters – such as contrast, gain or temperature limits – directly at the device level. This ensures that we always get the best possible image, even in difficult weather or lighting conditions. This is particularly relevant in critical infrastructure or border security, where every detail counts.

How does Nexus contribute to cost efficiency?

Nexus makes it possible to monitor large areas with fewer devices. Since the devices communicate with each other and complement each other, you don’t need a separate module for each function. The modular architecture also allows for later expansion without replacing the basic structure, which protects your investment in the long term.

You talk about ‘new thinking’ – what do you mean by that?

Many existing systems are fragmented.

They consist of individual solutions that are difficult to communicate with each other. Nexus, on the other hand, is integrated from the ground up. The camera is not only a data supplier, but also a receiver and processor. Thanks to Nexus, it becomes an active part of a network that prepares decisions. That is the fundamental change: we are no longer talking about isolated sensors, but about a networked system with intelligence at the edge.

Are there any specific examples of how Nexus is used in practice?

A powerful example is the integration of radar. Radar provides coordinates in space, and Nexus brings this information directly into the image. Suddenly, you don’t just see an object, you know where it is in real space. You can track it on a map, trigger alarms or automatically track cameras. This creates a completely new form of overview and control.

In your opinion, what are the biggest misconceptions about Nexus?

Many people think Nexus is just a data protocol – a kind of translator. But that’s not the whole story. Nexus is also analysis, logic and visualisation. It doesn’t just transport data, it gives it context. And it allows cameras to ‘understand’ each other, creating a genuine network of intelligent devices that can prepare decisions independently.

Finally, why should security managers be looking at Nexus now?

Because security risks are becoming more complex, and simple systems are no longer enough. Nexus not only enables faster responses, but also more accurate decisions. It reduces false alarms, lowers costs and makes systems future-proof.

For me personally, the true value of Nexus lies not only in the result, but in how easy it is to achieve that result. That’s the game changer.

For more information about FLIR Nexus, visit:

👉 https://www.flir.eu/products/nexus-bundle-eu/?vertical=security&segment=solutions