The 6G-VERSUS research project, part of an EU-funded initiative, aims to tackle the escalating threat of wildfires through advanced technology. This project was recently showcased at a conference in Birmingham, where experts discussed how artificial intelligence can address global challenges, including the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires.
Dr. Kamran Mahroof, a member of the 6G-VERSUS team, described the need to address these issues as urgent and critical. “Wildfires are a global phenomenon and have been increasing in frequency and intensity in recent years,” he stated. The EUR 5 million project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Innovation Action programme, allowing it to pursue its far-reaching aims.
The 6G-VERSUS project has an especially cool pilot program kicking off in Greece. The initiative is spearheaded by Dr. Konstantinos Katsaros ἰατρὸς and Dr. Lazaros Karagiannidis. This pilot will design a new skeletal robotic dog and aerial drone tethered system. It is intended to improve the situational awareness of first responders operating during extreme wildfire emergencies.
“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,” the team revealed. And with a goal of detecting individual wildfires as early as possible, this innovative system will lead to much faster response times.
This tech will use artificial intelligence to analyze camera feeds in real-time. It will transmit real-time vital information via 6G connections, offering invaluable assistance to first responders. “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,” the team explained.
Wildfires have recently devastated communities from Colorado to Canada, to Hawaii—and beyond. In reaction, the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) is looking to work with the University of Bradford team on this project. Dr. Mahroof expressed pride in being part of such impactful research: “We are immensely proud to be at the forefront of research addressing this pressing global challenge.”
The 6G-VERSUS consortium is looking forward to returning to Greece next year. Together, they hope to learn how to improve their technology and boost wildfire response tactics.