Science & Technology, UK (Commonwealth Union) – Researchers at Imperial College London and Empa have produced a drone capable of avoiding high enough temperatures to go into burning buildings.
The FireDrone, a cutting-edge prototype drone designed to venture into blazing structures or forests, enabling the assessment of hazards and the collection of invaluable firsthand data from high-risk areas. This data is then transmitted to first responders, empowering them to make informed decisions during emergency situations.
Constructed using an innovative thermal aerogel insulation material, FireDrone possesses exceptional heat resistance capabilities. Its integrated cooling system ensures its endurance in temperatures of up to 200°C for a remarkable duration of ten minutes. Although currently in the prototype phase, the research team envisions FireDrone as a future tool to survey fires, identify potential dangers, and enhance firefighting efforts.
Professor Mirko Kovac, the Principal Investigator leading the project, serves as the Director of the Aerial Robotics Lab at Imperial College London and the Head of the Laboratory of Sustainability Robotics at Empa. He emphasizes the significance of FireDrone, indicating that Firefighters face uncertainties and unforeseen challenges until they enter hazardous zones. With FireDrone, they aim to equip them with vital knowledge about the environment and potential obstacles they may encounter.
“FireDrone could be sent in ahead to gather crucial information – noting trapped people, building layouts, unexpected hazards – so that responders can prepare accordingly to keep themselves safe and potentially save more lives.”
Existing firefighting drones have proven useful in tasks such as capturing aerial footage, lifting fire hoses to tall structures, or dispersing fire retardant to mitigate the spread of wildfires in remote areas. Nevertheless, these drones face limitations when it comes to approaching closer to the fire due to the risk of frame melting and electronic failure.
Recognizing the potential benefits of drones that can operate in close proximity, the researchers conducted interviews with firefighters. They discovered that drones capable of operating at closer ranges could significantly aid in preparing first responders for entering burning buildings or wooded areas. For instance, drones equipped with cameras and carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors could provide essential information about fire layout and composition.
To tackle many challenges, the researchers sought inspiration from resilient creatures that thrive in extreme temperatures, such as penguins, arctic foxes, and spittlebugs. These animals possess appropriate adaptations such as layers of fat, fur, or self-produced thermoregulating materials, enabling them to endure and flourish in harsh conditions.
The researchers conducted rigorous testing of the drone, subjecting it to controlled temperature environments and flying it in close proximity to flames at a firefighter training center. These tests aimed to evaluate its performance and refine its capabilities. As part of their ongoing efforts, the researchers are focused on miniaturizing the drone and integrating additional sensors. They believe that these advancements could eventually enable the deployment of the drone in actual firefighting missions, potentially playing a pivotal role in saving lives.
The, FireDrone exhibits versatility in operating within frigid environments, including polar regions and glaciers as well. The research team has even conducted tests in a glacier tunnel located in Switzerland to assess its performance under extremely cold temperatures.
While FireDrone is currently in the prototype phase, its development represents a significant advancement towards the creation of other drones capable of enduring extreme temperature conditions. The researchers are actively validating the technology in collaboration with essential industrial stakeholders and partners, further cementing its potential impact and feasibility.
“The application of drones is often limited by environmental factors like temperature. We demonstrate a way to overcome this and are convinced our findings will help to unleash the future power of drones for extreme environments” explained Professor Kovac.
