At a recent conference held in Birmingham, Dr. Kamran Mahroof from the University of Bradford presented groundbreaking research focused on wildfire detection. This initiative is supported by the EU-funded 6G-VERSUS project. Through its R&D, it seeks to leverage state-of-the-art technology to combat the increasingly destructive worldwide scourge of wildfires.
It’s hoped that the 6G-VERSUS project, which was awarded multimillion funding earlier this year under the European Union’s Horizon Innovation Action programme, will change that. With this support, the researchers are primed to test trials using state-of-the-art 6G technology to enhance wildfire response efforts. Dr. Mahroof emphasized the urgency of the project, stating, “The whole idea for us is to identify wildfires as soon as possible.”
Wildfires are an issue of immediate importance, having increased dramatically in frequency and intensity over the last several years. Dr. Mahroof highlighted this alarming trend, noting that “wildfires are a global phenomenon and have been increasing in frequency and intensity in recent years.” The 6G-VERSUS project aims to find new ways of approaching the challenge to address it successfully.
In 2024, Dr. Konstantinos Katsaros and Dr. Lazaros Karagiannidis will lead the way on a year-long pilot program in Greece. They are from the Greek-based Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS). Through this phase of the project, they will hone in on a specific, integrated system that features both robotic dogs and aerial drones.
“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 the team involved in the research. This technology will integrate artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze real-time camera feeds, facilitating swift identification of individuals at risk and enabling efficient resource deployment.
By using 6G communication links, the system could keep responders on the ground out of harm’s way. The team explained, “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.”
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) has seen an increased threat of wildfires in recent years. They aren’t just alarmed – they are doing something about it. In response, WYFRS has implemented various strategies, including mapping tools and weather forecasting applications to predict fire behavior more effectively. They have brought forward new lightweight wildfire personal protective equipment to better protect firefighters during extended operations.
Dr. Mahroof expressed pride in his team’s efforts, saying, “We are immensely proud to be at the forefront of research addressing this pressing global challenge.” The 6G-VERSUS project is achieving wonderful progress toward battling these hellish infernos. Its continued initiatives use technology to help keep communities safer throughout the world.