Claresys is a spin out company set up by Ploughshare Innovations, the commercialisation arm of the MOD’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). It was formed to exploit the on-going research into novel optical solutions by some of the UK’s leading scientists working in the defence sector.

Claresys develops and supplies uniquely capable lenses for incorporation into surveillance and vision systems. These typically offer significant improvements in ease of installation and operational flexibility over existing solutions. Optics are the front end of any visual surveillance system, and are the point at which the worlds of the observed and the observer meet. Novel solutions in this area can tip the balance in favour of those wishing to obtain good quality intelligence and evidence.

Claresys’ patented optical technologies can be applied to a variety of surveillance situations, ranging from close surveillance in buildings or vehicles to long distance stake-outs. The same techniques can be applied to vision systems, for instance on vehicles or other platforms such as UAVs , to provide a reliable and clear view of a target or situation that cannot be easily detected and obscured. Solutions can be built to meet unique operational requirements and Claresys have an experienced design team who can quickly develop prototypes and full production quality optics.

Optical designs are undertaken in-house, with sub-contract manufacture being undertaken by a number of qualified suppliers mostly in the UK. Claresys also has a growing systems and software capability providing solutions such as motion and object tracking, and provides capabilities in both the visible and SWIR range.

Claresys’ customers are mainly in the defence, homeland security and police sectors; organisations who typically need to keep one step ahead in their surveillance capability. Common off-the-shelf solutions can often be too easily detected and defeated by those who are determined not to be observed. Claresys solutions give surveillance professionals some new tools in their armoury offering capabilities that can put them back in control of the situation.