Design Summary Reader Response Draft 1

 

The webpage “Firefighting Robots Go Autonomous” (Little, 2021) introduces readers to firefighting drones that assist our firefighters in fighting the flames. Among the many features is its ability to withstand the blazing heat in temperatures not possible for any human. When it comes to a drone’s maneuverability, it could be terrestrial or in the skies. A human-controlled robot called Robotics Systems 3(RS3) is being used by the Los Angeles City Fire Department and has braved countless harsh conditions. This includes buildings with collapsing roofs which come with an abundance of terrain mobility issues. One of the many attributes of the RS3 is the “ability to blast water at 10 times the rate of a conventional firehose” (Little, 2021, para. 8). According to the author, the RS3 is safely operated at a safe distance of 900 feet away from any danger. Operators utilize thermal imaging to locate casualties. An additional aspect of thermal imaging from the RS3’s cameras is to process video and temperature information. These firefighting drones are a tool that provides humans with more effective strategies without the risk of human lives. Despite the drone’s proven competency in aiding firefighting operations, (Little, 2021) reiterates that drones won’t eliminate and take over an actual human firefighter. As most drones currently act as surveillance only, manufacturers should begin to implement the ability for them to extinguish fires.

A particular issue faced by countries with vast plains and forests as far and wide as the eye can see are wildfires or better known as forest fires. These fires when proven out of control can have a devastating effect on people as well as our flora and fauna. “Between 2010 and 2019, there were more than 400 wildland firefighter deaths and an ever-increasing exposure to dangerous smoke inhalation” (Levitan, 2022, para. 4). The threat comes not only from the flames themselves but the smoke. As reported by the (United States Environmental Protection Agency, n.d, para. 2), “the effects of smoke from wildfires can range from eye and respiratory tract irritation to more serious disorders, including reduced lung function, heart failure, and premature death”. We should implement firefighting drones that will be able to aid us in tackling the threat of wildfires more so as climate change is prevalent now. Baggaley (2017) states that conditions as the years pass on may prove worse as climate change is increasing the frequency of fires. Drones could be deployed to scout the forest fires first to give the authorities a scale of the fire. They could then airdrop extinguishing liquids of any kind to the blaze.  Levitan (2022) mentioned that it could potentially come to a point when large drones are deployed carrying water or retardants that are dropped on fires. This statement is further supported by a proposed system of a swarm of drones able to carry a payload between 5 and 50 kilograms (Lenz, 2021). The author explained that these drones with their payloads are more efficient than firefighting aircraft as quoted “Firefighting aircraft can only fly during the day and are able to perform a limited number of water drops per hour due to distance from a refueling site” (Lenz, 2021). Thus, having drones that have the ability to combat the flames is most advantageous as described in the context of fighting wildfires.

It is mentioned in several sources that drones served and act as a frontline in place of the firefighters. They are situated in front of the firefighters to give better situational awareness. These drones being in the forefront also minimizes any potential human casualties if accidents were to occur. This is evident as quoted by (DNDrone Nodes, n.d, para .11) “Accurate assessment of burning structures with a drone can be done to have a better understanding of the status of the fire before firefighters are even ready to enter the blaze”. They would be better equipped to protect our firefighters if they come with actual firefighting capabilities. A Chinese company has successfully demonstrated this by having their drones put out a high-rise building fire in unison. “Using a powder tank, UAV can effectively control the fire of 100 cubic meters of closed space” (Wang, J., & Wang, Y. , 2020). The author also reported the edge drones have over fire trucks as quoted “The highest of high fire engines is 100m, but a UAV taking off from the ground barely takes 30 seconds to reach 200m.” All in all, drones fighting fire is closer to becoming reality and a norm in the future as technology is further developed.

A fire scene would mean an entire area will be covered in a blanket of cloud of smoke and smog. It is much more unfavourable if it is to occur at night with much lower visibility. As drones are equipped with thermal cameras, visibility impairment would not affect them. As supported in the following quote “Thermal (infrared) cameras have the ability to see through smoke and view objects emitting energy in complete darkness.” (DNDrone Node, n.d, para .13). Thus, Drones should have fire extinguishing capabilities as they are not obscured by smoke and low light and are able to detect the base of fire quicker.

The idea of drones being able to combat fire may seem like an advantageous and feasible idea, but it does come with some drawbacks. To be efficient in piloting these drones, operators must go through drone training. Training will ensure they are well-equipped on drone functions as well as the safety aspects which will prevent the likelihood of accidents. A formal drone training lesson will walk you through not only the ability to fly a drone safely but also to know safety regulations and standard practices (Pilot Institute, 2022). These standard practices are not limited to knowing airspace restrictions, flying under harsh weather conditions, and flying a drone with a payload (Pilot Institute,2022).

In conclusion, the advantages far outweigh the negatives when it comes to whether firefighting drones should have firefighting capabilities. Its upper hand in the fight against wildfires cannot be overlooked. Key points such as drones being in the forefront of a fire team should come with the means of protecting the firefighters, as well as drones not being affected by poor visual conditions all, support the statement. I believe as technology advances, drones of any size with the ability to fight the flames will be a pivotal piece in a firefighter’s arsenal.

References:

Little, J. B. (2021, October 29). Firefighting Robots Go Autonomous. Scientific American. Retrieved September 18, 2022, from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/firefighting-robots-go-autonomous/

 

DNDrone Nodes is an online communication platform that brings together experts and enthusiasts in drone research. (n.d.). Firefighter drones – how drones are being used for helping fire departments. Drone Nodes. Retrieved September 18, 2022, from https://dronenodes.com/firefighter-drones/

Nolan, S. (2021, November 23). How Singapore is fighting fire with robots. GovInsider. Retrieved September 25, 2022, from https://govinsider.asia/agile/how-singapore-is-fighting-fire-with-robots-col-leow-chew-hong-scdf/

Workswell Thermal Imaging Systems. (n.d.). Using thermal cameras for firefighting . Drone Thermal Camera. Retrieved September 25, 2022, from https://www.drone-thermal-camera.com/using-thermal-cameras-to-fight-fires/#:~:text=A%20drone%20with%20a%20thermal,smoky%20areas%20near%20major%20fires.

United States Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Wildland Fire Research: Health Effects Research. EPA. Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.epa.gov/air-research/wildland-fire-research-health-effects-research

Baggaley, K. (2017, November 16). Drones are fighting wildfires in some very surprising ways. NBCNews.com. Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.nbcnews.com/mach/science/drones-are-fighting-wildfires-some-very-surprising-ways-ncna820966

Levitan, D. (2022, April 13). How drones could help fight wildfires supercharged by climate change. Grid News. Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.grid.news/story/climate/2022/04/13/how-drones-could-help-fight-wildfires-supercharged-by-climate-change/

Lenz, M. (2021, April 30). Drone swarms for firefighting: The Future of Fire Supression? DRONELIFE. Retrieved September 28, 2022, from https://dronelife.com/2021/04/28/drone-swarms-for-firefighting-the-future-of-fire-supression/

Wang, J., & Wang, Y. (2020, January 22). The first fire drill for high-rise fire fighting drones was held in Dazu, Chongqing. iChongqing. Retrieved September 28, 2022, from https://www.ichongqing.info/2020/01/22/the-first-fire-drill-for-high-rise-fire-fighting-drones-was-held-in-dazu-chongqing/

Pilot Institute. (2022, January 25). Is drone training required and what options are out there? Pilot Institute. Retrieved September 29, 2022, from https://pilotinstitute.com/drone-training/