Summary & Reader Response (Draft 3)

 The article “Firefighting Robots Go Autonomous” written by (Little, 2021) addressed researchers’ breakthroughs in developing firefighting robots and their capabilities. As Neil Sahota, an inventor who advises the United Nations on artificial intelligence issues commented “mobility is the big complication” (Little, 2021), many researchers are faced with the problem to tackle when it comes to developing either a remote-controlled or autonomous firefighting robot. However, weighing 3500 pounds and fitted with tanklike treads and a huge plow nose at the front, the Robotics Systems 3 (RS3) is able to pull hoses up inclined slopes and heavy objects out of ditches. The RS3 is fitted with multiple cameras for ease of operation from a safe distance of 900 feet from the user. Equipped with four cameras, these give the operator the full view of the robot’s surroundings both in normal imaging and thermal. With the help of the cameras, the operator is able to not only guide the nozzle to the required directions but also is able to locate survivors with the help of the thermal function. Lastly, the RS3 is equipped with a nozzle that has a flow rate that is 10 times better than a regular hose which allows better suppression of major fires. Firefighting robots should be used primarily instead of firefighters, which would provide efficiency, and reduce the risks and dangers faced by firefighters.

The development of drone-mounted thermal cameras will soon change this. Firefighters carry out search and rescue operations as part of their duties. When a disaster strike, it is important for them to locate the injured as soon as possible. Currently, it is difficult for firefighters to do that efficiently as the scale of damage might be too vast and by the time the injured are found, it might be too late. During an incident where a kayaker was lost, the police could locate the men “Within two minutes of launching our drone with a thermal camera, we were able to locate what appeared to be an empty kayak,” by the Greenfield Fire Department (EMS1, 2022). Drones can also be deployed very quickly and may arrive at the scene of an emergency within a few minutes, the thermal sensors attached can help detect people where they can’t be easily seen. “The information retrieved from the drones allows first responders to create efficient evacuation plans as risk areas can be more easily located.” (Hilson,G. 2022)

Firefighters face serious risks on the job such as heat exhaustion, burns, and physical and mental stress. “These causes limitations as firefighters often have to retreat if the fire advances too rapidly. With the creation of a motorized robot with the ability to venture into the danger zone, using a motorized water cannon capable of firing more than 660 gallons per minute, Colossus took aim at the stone walls of the ancient cathedral and began spraying,” said Jean-Claude Gallet the commander in Notre-Dame de Paris. (Holley, P 2018) A robot unit called Blade Formation has also been created in China. The Blade Formation members participated in a drill simulating a chemical disaster to demonstrate their ability to coordinate firefighting efforts. “It was reported that because of high temperatures and the risk of explosion, human firefighters could not approach the scene to extinguish the blaze. Robots stepped in.” (Yimei, L. 2020)

Using drones can also provide firefighters with the vision needed to spot an upcoming wildfire or emergency. “Paso Robles Fire & Emergency Services is turning to drones to help spot dangerous fire conditions from the sky.” (Bertola A. 2021) This allows the firefighters to detect fire starters and extinguish them out early before they can cause more harm. A drone's ability to provide the vision of an area also allows firefighters to drown the fire more efficiently if they are unable to extinguish it before it spreads. “Using a drone to assess the incident site and gather intelligence to understand any associated threats or hazards, ahead of crew attending, means that decision-makers can determine the level of emergency response required and keep personnel safe.” (Gee, C. 2022)

However, there have been concerns regarding the mobility of robots to fight the fire. One of the critical issues recognized is the size and weight of developing the necessary robots. For example, the “Colossus weighs a 1,100-pound tanklike robot.” (Holley, P. 2019) The heavyweight makes transportation of the robot a hassle during an emergency.

In conclusion, the invention of firefighting robots increases efficiency while safeguarding the lives of firefighters. It is known that in an emergency, time is of the essence and that every second matters. Firefighters can locate and rescue wounded citizens more quickly with the assistance of drones. Robots can also temporarily take over the role of conventional firefighters in times when their bodies are overworked. In spite of possible hindrances, the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to launching robots. In this light, it is believed that firefighting robots could revolutionize how fires are normally put out. 

References:

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

          Fieldman, L. (2022, September 2). Mass. First Responders Use Drone, thermal camera to rescue lost kayaker. EMS1. https://www.ems1.com/rescue/articles/mass-first-responders-use-drone-thermal-camera-to-rescue-lost-kayaker-yh7Ow9I2Z3p1PYM7/

         Hilson, G. (2022). The expanding roles of emergency drones for disaster management. Verizon Enterprise. https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/articles/s/the-role-of-emergency-drones-in-disaster-management/

         Holley, P. (2019, April 17). Firefighters had a secret weapon when Notre Dame caught fire: A robot named 'colossus'. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2019/04/17/firefighters-had-secret-weapon-when-notre-dame-caught-fire-robot-named-colossus/

         Yimei, L. (2020, May 27). China's first firefighting robot unit now in service. CGTN. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2020-05-27/China-s-first-firefighting-robot-unit-now-in-service-QPjoan4UfK/index.html

         Bertola, A. (2021, July 1). Paso Robles firefighters using a drone to detect fires in the riverbed. KSBY News. https://www.ksby.com/weather/fire-watch/paso-robles-firefighters-using-a-drone-to-detect-fires-in-the-riverbed

         Gee, C. (2022, March 3). Future proofing firefighting with drone technology. International Fire      Fighter. https://iffmag.mdmpublishing.com/future-proofing-firefighting-with-drone-technology/