When Inspections Make You Bend...

Have you ever experienced aches in your arm, neck, or wrist while inspecting equipment? Or found yourself in risky, cramped spots trying to check electrical cabinets?

Inspection work often pushes engineers into awkward, uncomfortable, and sometimes unsafe positions.

No matter the task, these challenges are all too common:

 

Now It Bends, So You Don’t Have To

That’s why the FOTRIC H6 Flex was developed  - the industry’s first ultrasonic imaging camera with a fully rotatable 180° sensor array. Designed with user ergonomics in mind, Flex helps inspectors maintain a natural posture - arms low, back straight - no matter where the target is located.
​
Here's How Flex Improves Inspection Safety and Comfort:

Easier Looking Up
Overhead Inspections Without Shoulder Strain

Overhead tasks—such as inspecting transmission line towers, utility poles, HVAC ducts, motor housings, or ceiling pipelines—often require raising the device above shoulder level. This posture can be difficult to sustain and places strain on the shoulder joint over time.​

According to research from the University of Waterloo, when arms are elevated above 90°, the risk of shoulder injury increases significantly:

• If arm elevation exceeds 10% of total work time, injury risk doubles.
• At 40%, the risk increases several fold.

FOTRIC H6Flex allows the acoustic imaging array to tilt downward, enabling operators to capture high-position targets without lifting the device overhead. This reduces arm fatigue and lowers the risk of shoulder injury.

Traditional methods require 90° arm elevation

H6Flex users stay at a safer 30° angle

Easier Looking Down
Ground-Level Inspections Without Back Strain

Inspecting equipment at floor level - such as distribution cabinets, motor bases, or pipeline undersides - typically involves bending, kneeling, or squatting. These constrained postures not only limit mobility but also place continuous strain on the lumbar spine. Over time, the risk of lower back injury increases significantly.​

According to ISO 11226:

• Forward bending for just 10% of the workday increases the risk of lumbar injury by 2.4 times.
• At 30% exposure, that risk can rise to 4.8 times.

With its rotatable sensor array, FOTRIC H6Flex allows users to inspect ground-level targets while standing upright. This supports better posture, reduces lower back strain, and helps maintain a safe distance from electrical equipment.

Traditional inspections require forward bending

H6Flex enables upright operation

Arc Flash Protection by Design
Stay Safe Without Getting Too Close

When inspecting energized components near the ground - such as the lower sections of substation cabinets, SF₆ gear, or the bottom terminals of switches - technicians often need to bend down and get close. This places them within high-risk arc flash zones.​

According to NFPA 70E and IEEE 1584 standards:

• If arc energy exceeds 1.2 cal/cm², additional PPE is required to prevent burn injuries.
• At a working distance of less than 60 cm, arc energy increases rapidly—often beyond what standard protective gear can handle.

FOTRIC H-Flex enables safe, remote inspection of low-position energized components. By allowing users to maintain a distance greater than 90 cm, it helps reduce arc flash exposure and lessens the need for heavy-duty PPE - without compromising inspection accuracy.

Operators often work within 60 cm  - inside the arc flash hazard zone.

H-Flex enables inspection from over 90 cm—outside the danger zone.

Boost Efficiency with AI-powered Automation
Approximately 90% of inspectors' time during inspections is squandered on repetitive logistical tasks. FOTRIC NaviPdM® will handle those, allowing you to focus on what truly requires your expertise.

Built Different: Unique Features That Set H6Flex Apart

FOTRIC H6Flex isn’t just another acoustic imager—it’s engineered with thoughtful innovations that redefine usability, safety, and performance in the field.

Acoustic Image Delay (T-FFTD®)
Utilizes a multi-modal transient acoustic matrix to enhance microsecond-level acoustic event retention.

Boost signal retention and enhance inspection efficiency for intermittent sound sources.

OFF

ON

Leak Evaluation Mode
Instantly reflect the cost of the leak and enable easy report generation for leak inspections.

OFF

ON

Gray-scale Background
Under an industrial-grade gray-scale background, sound signals displays are more prominent.

OFF

ON

Versatile in the Field
From gas leaks to partial discharges - even hard-to-reach targets - see how FOTRIC H6Flex adapts to diverse inspection challenges, enhancing safety, accuracy, and efficiency across industries.

Air Leak Detection

   

Partial Discharge Diagnosis

   

Other