A new research initiative, SNS-JU 6G-VERSUS, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Innovation Action programme, is set to revolutionize wildfire detection and response. The project is developing a combined robotic dog and aerial drone system designed to enhance situational awareness for first responders during wildfire incidents.
Most recently, the system wowed visitors at the annual Innovation Summit in Birmingham. Mainstage sessions focused on the ways that artificial intelligence (AI) can be deployed to address the world’s greatest challenges. Dr. Kamran Mahroof, who has been a leading force behind the project, spoke at the ISeeChange conference to express the Wildfire trial’s significance. Wildfires, he said, are bigger, worse and crazier every day.
Wildfires are currently a worldwide issue, and many areas have seen a rise in the frequency and intensity of wildfires over the past few years,” commented Dr. Mahroof. We are deeply honored to be leading the way in research that tackles this urgent global issue.
The West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) tackle into innovative research. They’re working closely with the University of Bradford team to bring it to life. This joint initiative to use cutting-edge artificial intelligence to detect wildfires quickly and efficiently is an exciting new development. The Pacific Northwest has seen a dramatic increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires in recent years, so all examples of creativity and innovation are important.
Dr. Mahroof emphasized, “The whole idea for us is to identify wildfires as soon as possible.” As part of this demonstration research project, students are utilizing some industry-leading advancements—including an eight-wheel Argocat all-terrain vehicle capable of traversing previously impassable terrains.
The WYFRS has begun to use mapping tools to better inform their strategy. They are adopting new weather forecasting applications to better predict fire behavior. The fire service has developed new lightweight personal protective equipment for firefighters that make them much safer during extended operations.
The SNS-JU 6G-VERSUS project is just warming up to produce exciting results. Over the next year, it will be rolling out a pilot program there, led by Prominence’s Dr. Konstantinos Katsaros and Dr. Lazaros Karagiannidis of the Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS). They are especially excited by the prospect of marrying AI with live camera feeds. They aren’t waiting until the future, either – they’re already using next-gen connectivity to transmit life-saving data.
“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,” explained Dr. Mahroof.
It’s encouraging that researchers and emergency services are beginning to come together. They’ve made deep commitments to connect communities with technology that can help mitigate the impact of wildfires on communities. By improving early detection and response capabilities, this innovative system aims to protect lives and property in an increasingly challenging climate.
