Geospace Technologies Heartbeat Detector strategically enhances the company’s portfolio, traditionally rooted in seismic sensors and rugged industrial instruments. With the full acquisition of Heartbeat Detector® on 31 July 2025, the Texas-based firm continues its expansion into high-growth, recurring-revenue sectors.

Originally developed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Heartbeat Detector® uses a proprietary algorithm to detect the heartbeat of individuals hidden within vehicles. Compact and portable, the device identifies human presence in under ten seconds. Independent validation by ORNL, Sandia, and Thunder Mountain labs confirms a 99% accuracy rate.

Previously commercialized by GeoVox Security, Geospace has now acquired all remaining shares. The technology is already deployed in over a dozen countries, including France, Spain, Germany, Lithuania, and Hong Kong, primarily supporting correctional institutions and anti-human trafficking efforts at border crossings.

A Rapidly Expanding Global Market

This acquisition aligns with the company’s “Intelligent Industrial” segment strategy, aiming to address rising demand for precise, user-friendly surveillance solutions. Moreover, Geospace plans to adopt a subscription-based business model to accelerate client adoption while building a steady revenue stream. CEO Rich Kelley views this transition toward recurring income as a cornerstone of the firm’s long-term growth plan.

The addressable market is significant: over 10,000 prison facilities globally and more than 300 manned border checkpoints in the United States, a figure that doubles across Europe, based on EU data.

A Shared Vision of Innovation and Legacy

For ORNL, the commercialization marks the successful realisation of a key innovation partnership. “We aim to bring impactful safety technologies to market,” stated Jen Caldwell, ORNL’s Director of Technology Transfer.

Andrew White, President of GeoVox and son of former Texas Governor Mark White, sees the sale as fulfilling his father’s vision, advancing critical detection technology within a well-capitalized and innovation-driven enterprise.

For investors, this acquisition offers Geospace a strong competitive edge in a sensitive, rapidly evolving industry. Integrating lab-developed technologies into its portfolio not only strengthens the company’s technical assets but also paves the way for predictable, long-term revenue generation.