A pilot scheme supported by Horizon Europe is investigating the use of AI and robot dogs to detect and mitigate wildfires. 

Researchers from the University of Bradford, UK, are developing and evaluating the impact of AI to detect fire or smoke through real-time high definition (HD) video camera footage and satellite imagery.

The pilot scheme, which will run in Greece next year, also sends alerts using 6G technology to key services including remote control centers. The aim is to help with early interventions in such fires to help reduce the destruction caused and enhance the recovery efforts through the use of collaborative robotics for Search and Rescue (SaR) operations, improving response times and safety of disaster response efforts, minimizing human risk and environmental impact.

The AI analyses 6G-connected cameras to detect smoke early, creates an alert via a web interface, while a drone provides aerial imagery and network relay support. The team is also trialing a robotic dog to scout dense areas, delivers supplies, communicate with victims, and aid search and rescue. 

Dr Kamran Mahroof, the project’s Principal Investigator and Programme Leader for the MSc in Applied AI and Data Analytics at the University of Bradford, said:

“Wildfires are a global phenomenon and have been increasing in frequency and intensity in recent years, posing growing threats to lives, communities, and ecosystems worldwide."   

The wildfires project is part of University of Bradford's research into disruptive technologies, including 6G networks and edge computing, which was awarded £1 million from the European Union's Horizon Innovation Action program earlier this year.

6G-VERSUS (6G Vertical Trials for Sustainability) integrates 6G technology with real-world experimentation to create sustainable 6G applications. The scheme has distributed €12.1m in research and development funding among 34 partners from industry, academia, and research institutions across six European countries. The aim is to design a 6G-enabled framework for vertical, AI, and network applications. The wildfire pilot in Greece is one of six geographically distributed pilots across Europe, each tackling a different environmental or sustainability challenge.

Dr Mahroof explained the research at the AI for All event in Birmingham, UK. He said:

"The whole idea for us is to identify wildfires as soon as possible. We are using the latest technologies out there - the likes of 6G, drones and, dare I say it, robotic dogs to identify where the likelihood is for a fire to take place and for us to mitigate this as soon as possible."

I'm not sure sending robot dogs into wildfires is a good image. I think they need another description. Poor old Spot, he always gets the tough gigs.  

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