The University of Bradford is leading a pioneering project to improve how we detect and respond to wildfires. Dr. Kamran Mahroof and his team of researchers are at the forefront of a new, revolutionary system. They’re integrating robotic dogs with aerial drones to better inform first responders who are fighting wildfires. This project comes under the EU-funded 6G-VERSUS initiative, where advanced 6G technology would be trialed in real-world conditions.
Wildfires have become an increasingly severe issue, with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service reporting a rise in incidents over the past few years. The impacts of this challenge have never been more pressing, with recent wildfires devastating nature hotspots including Marsden Moor and Ilkley Moor. Dr. Mahroof emphasized the significance of the project, stating, “Wildfires are a global phenomenon and have been increasing in frequency and intensity in recent years.”
Next year, the University of Bradford team will head to Greece under the 6G-VERSUS project. They will work in cooperation with Dr Konstantinos Katsaros and Dr Lazaros Karagiannidis at the Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS). The year-long pilot program in Greece will continue to refine the robotic dog and drone system. Perhaps most importantly, it’ll utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to be able to analyze real-time camera feeds.
Dr. Mahroof elaborated on the technological advancements, stating, “By applying AI to interpret real-time camera feeds and using 6G links to relay the data, we can help teams quickly identify people at risk and deploy resources where they’re needed most, all while keeping responders safe.” Together, the integration of all these technologies holds great promise to greatly empower first responders in wildfire disasters.
The West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service currently employs all-terrain vehicles, such as the Argocat, alongside mapping tools and weather forecasting applications to predict fire behavior. Additionally, they have developed and deployed new lightweight personal protective equipment to keep firefighters on long duration operations safe and healthy. Contractor engaged with the R&E Service before developing key technology in this project. They will likely be going to the University of Bradford team to partner on ideas.
Dr. Mahroof expressed pride in leading this innovative research effort: “We are immensely proud to be at the forefront of research addressing this pressing global challenge.” The project was recently showcased at an event in Birmingham focused on how artificial intelligence can help tackle global issues.
