The 6G-VERSUS research project is an EU-funded Horizon Europe initiative. It will run technology pilots to bolster wildfire detection and response initiatives. Dr. Konstantinos Katsaros and Dr. Lazaros Karagiannidis from the Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS) are helm an amazing new ICCC pilot program in Greece next year. This initiative is an exciting next step in the collaboration, following several recent achievements funded by the European Union’s Horizon Innovation Action programme.
The goal of the multi-year project is to create an entirely new system that combines robotic dogs and aerial drones in creative ways. Our mission is to improve situational awareness for firefighters battling wildfires. These fires have been more and more encroaching upon urban areas, such as West Yorkshire in recent years. Like WYFRS, fire services across the UK are facing a battle on multiple fronts due to the rising prevalence of fires. They’re closely using government-supported all-terrain vehicles, high-tech mapping and coordination systems, and localized weather prediction apps to achieve top-notch firefighting prowess.
Dr. Kamran Mahroof, a key member of the project team, recently shared insights about the trial at a conference in Birmingham. He emphasized the urgency of addressing wildfires, stating, “Wildfires are a global phenomenon and have been increasing in frequency and intensity in recent years.”
The 6G-VERSUS project mixes robotic dogs with aerial drones. This dynamic collaboration is intended to immeasurably increase the effectiveness and safety of the country’s firefighters and first responders. The new system will use artificial intelligence (AI) to help analyze streams from fixed and mobile real-time camera feeds. It will further transmit important information through 6G links. This system allows them to rapidly identify the people most at risk. Most importantly, it uses data to make sure we’re deploying resources effectively while keeping our responders safe first and foremost.
“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.” – Dr. Konstantinos Katsaros
WYFRS has a passion for the safety of their firefighters. They have developed new lightweight personal protective equipment tailored for wildfire use. This progress couldn’t have come at a better time considering our ongoing partnership with the University of Bradford team. They’re committed to pioneering rapid wildfire detection.
Dr. Mahroof highlighted the overarching mission of the project: “The whole idea for us is to identify wildfires as soon as possible.” This partnership between researchers in the International Disaster Emergency Management program and Phoenix Fire Services Local 496 intends to use high-tech tools to address a developing worldwide problem.