A new research collaboration, 6G-VERSUS, seeks to address the growing dangers of wildfires. It achieves this by weaving cutting-edge technology into the tapestry of wildfire management efforts. In this project, Dr. Konstantinos Katsaros and Dr. Lazaros Karagiannidis from the Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS) are at the helm of an exciting EU-funded pilot program. It will start in Greece next year! Its goal is to use the latest 6G technology to help improve first responders’ abilities to respond to wildfires and other emergency situations.
The European Union’s Horizon 2020 Innovation Action programme has given a strong vote of support to the project. It’ll explore the exciting ways that we can leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to address our planet’s most pressing challenges. Dr. Kamran Mahroof, another key member of the team, emphasized the urgency of addressing wildfires, stating, “Wildfires are a global phenomenon and have been increasing in frequency and intensity in recent years.”
As part of the 6G-VERSUS project, the research team is developing a combined system that integrates robotic dogs and aerial drones. This unique technology will greatly enhance situational awareness for the first responders fighting wildfires. How all-terrain vehicles will improve their ability to respond to these emergencies.
Dr. Mahroof highlighted the project’s objectives, saying, “The whole idea for us is to identify wildfires as soon as possible.” The team uses advanced mapping technology and predictive weather forecasting apps to forecast fire behavior, providing responders with the information they need to respond quickly and safely.
The project improves recommended response strategies. It further establishes a new form of lightweight personal protective equipment for firefighters who are in the line of duty for extended operations. This new gear is meant to help keep them safe and more efficient while responding to these dangerous fire emergencies.
The West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service are very much looking forward to working with the University of Bradford team on this innovative project. This interest was spurred by the increased frequency and severity of wildfires that West Yorkshire has experienced in recent years.
“In the Greek pilot of SNS-JU 6G-VERSUS, we’re developing a combined robotic dog and aerial drone system that boosts situational awareness for first responders during wildfires,” stated a representative from the research team. This system will enhance the operational capabilities of first responders. To do that, it uses advanced artificial intelligence to analyze feeds from dozens of real-time cameras and relay key information via 6G sockets.
By implementing these technological advancements, the project aims to enable teams to quickly identify individuals at risk and deploy resources where needed most while ensuring responder safety.