Firebots: Autonomous Fire Detecting Robots

Background

With the rapid development of technology and innovation, there has been increased focus on the area of fire detection throughout the past few decades. One of the major applications for such technology is on navy ships, where the cost of such fires has shown to be disastrous. Losses due to fires in 2007 were in excess of $50 million and $70 million in damages were sustained in May of 2008 due to fire onboard the Aircraft Carrier USS George Washington Japan. Recent findings suggested that 36% of naval personnel smoked, which can translate to over 1000 smokers on board. This adds an ever increasing risk of fire damage and has been one of the main reasons why the US Navy has invested time and effort in research alternative fire detection systems. The results of their studies have been analysed and they show sufficiency in detecting actual fires but limited success in reducing false alarm rates. Although fire detection and prevention is essential for highly equipped navy ships, it can be extended to other areas as well such as industries and warehouses, which can include banks and key government buildings; fires in these areas could have significant immediate financial impacts and loss of highly important information. Advanced fire detection can also be applied to residential areas to reduce residential fires if the size and cost of such systems is miniaturized.