Autonomous Drones for Indoor Firefighting Operations without GPS

Firefighting operations are unquestionably among the riskiest tasks, where the lives of both victims and firefighters are in jeopardy. Especially indoor fires include the possibility of burns, exposure to harmful fumes, and the presence of thick smoke. This not only reduces visibility but also disorients individuals involved in rescue operations. Therefore, a key aspect of a successful rescue mission is maintaining situational awareness. That involves obtaining a clear view beyond smoke to effectively monitor, navigate, and make informed decisions.

The obstacle of low visibility caused by dense smoke in confined spaces can be overcome with the use of specially equipped drones. By integrating drones into firefighting strategies, decision-making processes are significantly improved, ensuring that resources are directed to where they are most needed, thus reducing health risks for both firefighters and civilians. 

Despite the invaluable benefits drones offer, there is still one unresolved risk of losing GPS signal and reliance on satellite navigation.

The ability to operate effectively in fire-struck buildings is crucial, particularly when visibility is compromised by heavy smoke or when GPS navigation is rendered useless. Despite the common issue of potential GPS signal loss and reliance on satellite navigation, Fly4Future aerial robots stand out for their exceptional reliability. Our drones are equipped with advanced sensors and artificial intelligence which allows them to be deployed without limitations in communication. They can seamlessly navigate spaces, collect visual data through thermal cameras, process and share the information with responders in real time.

Leveraging 3D lidar-based localization and navigation, these drones have been successfully tested in environments with smoke and dust, as demonstrated by our team’s participation in the DARPA SubT challenge in the USA. Fly4Future aerial robots offer unmatched performance and provide firefighting teams with peace of mind.