Research & Innovation

Thermal cameras used in drones and robots can be tricked by heat sources, study finds

As thermal cameras become commonplace on autonomous drones and vehicles, a University of Florida engineering professor is working to make sure they can’t be maliciously tricked into “seeing” things that aren’t there.

2025 Florida Engineer

Discover how Gator Engineers are shaping the future — from groundbreaking research and transformative student experiences to industry partnerships and global impact. This year’s issue highlights the bold ideas, resilient leadership and collaborative spirit driving innovation across the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering.

Malachowsky Hall for Data Science & Information Technology

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Latest headlines

Thermal cameras used in drones and robots can be tricked by heat sources, study finds
March 17, 2026
UF’s RoboPI lab making waves with marine robots
March 10, 2026
ECE ‘star Gator’ Farimah Farahmandi wins 40 Under 40 alumni award
March 5, 2026
Two UF Engineers named to the 2026 National Academy of Inventors Senior Membership
February 27, 2026
Machines spot deepfake pictures better than humans, but people outperform AI in detecting deepfake videos
February 26, 2026

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UF engineering students draw on cultural perspectives to enrich learning in Engineering and Arts study abroad program