Wildfires in North America have escalated in severity due to climate change, posing significant risks to communities, ecosystems, and wildlife. To combat this growing threat, drones have emerged as an effective tool in firefighting efforts for over a decade. The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association anticipates an increase in drone fleets to an impressive 30,000 by next year.
However, despite their effectiveness, these systems have limitations. Current drones utilized for wildfire suppression are high-altitude aircraft designed for military purposes, soaring high above the tree line. Their inability to descend lower stems from visibility challenges caused by smoke. To address this, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute are developing drones capable of navigating through smoke-filled environments, providing firefighters with critical information such as maps, escape routes, and hazard zone identification.
Retired firefighter Josh Wilkins, who is collaborating on this project, laments the tragic loss of lives due to inadequate information. Firefighters often operate with outdated intelligence that poses significant risks to their safety. The impetus for this research stems from CMU’s participation in DARPA’s Subterranean Challenge, which focused on autonomous navigation in underground environments for mine rescue operations.
These forest drones employ path-finding algorithms to determine optimal trajectories amidst obstructed views. The ultimate goal is to rapidly create a 3D “digital twin” of the affected area, providing firefighters with real-time situational awareness. Wilkins acknowledges that some firefighters may be hesitant to embrace new technologies, particularly in a field known for its deeply ingrained traditions. However, he is confident that the safety benefits and data-gathering capabilities of these drones will ultimately win over skeptics.
