Ground robot technologies in wildfire risk reduction. The viewpoint of the fire service

Abstract

Robots are not widely used in wildfire risk reduction. Firefighters do not commonly know how to use them and technology providers are not aware of key operational directions for improvements. This study aims to identify, catalogue and discuss directions for the development of robot technologies in terms of wildfire risk reduction. The viewpoint of the fire service is presented. Survey was conducted with experts to gather new knowledge on the use of robots in wildfire response and to identify inspiration for improvements for technology providers. 92 end-user-related developments were categorised into particular elements of wildfire response process. 31 development directions related to technology providers have been assigned to general robot functionalities: ensuring safety of firefighters, shaping situational awareness, and supporting firefighting systems. The robot functionality sets can be implemented in reconnaissance robots, delivery and evacuation robots, and firefighting robots. Fire service perceives the robot use in wildfire risk reduction more broadly than is reflected by currently developed disaster robots and existing disaster risk reduction concepts. The viewpoint of the fire service can raise awareness among end-users and inspire technology providers to effectively and rationally implement robots for wildfire risk reduction. • Robots are not commonly used in wildfire risk reduction nowadays. • Operational needs of fire service direct robots' technology development. • Robots can ensure safety of firefighters, shape situational awareness, and support firefighting systems. • There could be reconnaissance robots, delivery and evacuation robots, and firefighting robots. • The viewpoint of the fire service may optimise costs and technology development.