Design Summary Reader Response Draft #3

-

 Little’s (2021) article “Firefighting Robot Go Autonomous” informs the public about the research on using autonomous firefighting robots in the future. With more than 350,000 American homes burning yearly and climate change contributing to 10,000 active daily wildfires worldwide. These firefighting robots can offer to help reduce the risk of the firefighters as they can perform higher-risk tasks for humans as these robots are often, more robust, and agile (Little,2021). Little (2021) added that researchers are looking into “developing “intelligent” firefighting robots that can make decisions autonomously”. Little (2021) reported a firefighting robot named Robotics Systems 3 (SR3) has proven its capabilities and is now being used by the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD). LAFD Assistant Chief stated, "has met some of these real-world mobility challenges and proved useful by dragging hose lines up steep hills and even pulling horses out of mud quagmires."(Little,2021, para 7) However these robots is unable to work on its own and require the firefighter input. Although these robots are unable to replace firefighters, these RS3 can provide support to the firefighter more efficiently and safely with its nozzle, navigation systems and cameras to reduce the risks to the firefighters.

The first feature of the RS3 that provides aid to assistance to the firefighter will be the nozzle. A nozzle provides the proper reach to access the fire and enables a firefighter to create the proper reach and angle while spraying the fire. (IDEX Fire&Safety n.d.) The RS3 nozzle can discharge 2,500 gallons of water or foam per minute equivalent to about eight firefighters (GNC, 2020). The nozzle can blast water at 10 times the rate of a conventional fire hose (Little,2021) Therefore, it will help the firefighter control and mitigate the fire to reduce the risk to the firefighters.

Another feature of the RS3 will be the navigation system. The navigation system can manoeuvre along different terrains and clear its path. The RS3 has worked with firefighters in buildings with collapsing roofs where is a place that the fire department could potentially lose a human life (Little,2021). The RS3 low center of gravity allows it to climb over rough terrain, push vehicles away from its path, and winch up to 8,000 pounds. (GNC, 2020) Hence, the robot can get into dangerous terrain or building to clear the paths for the firefighter to enter with minimal obstruction.

Lastly, the thermal imaging camera of the RS3 helps to detect humans in enclosed areas where the firefighters are unable to enter. A thermal imaging camera detects an object’s infrared energy, or heat signature, using a contactless sensor. Through a process known as thermal imaging, these devices transform infrared radiation into an image that can be seen by the human eyes (Thercam,2022) This camera will help to detect fire spread which enables the firefighters to visualize where the temperature is lower or higher. It also helps firefighters to see through smoke and detect the victim’s location (Bevill,2021). Thus, the thermal imaging camera helps firefighters to perform their work safely as it can provide accurate information of the surroundings.

However, the RS3 does have a limitation when it comes to assisting with firefighting operations. The RS3 is immobile as it cannot operate on its own. The people running the RS3 are processing all the information and deciding based on input. White says, "It will never replace firefighters"(Little 2021).

In conclusion, these firefighting robots is beneficial to firefighter because of the features of the robot that will provide them with firefighting support especially when human life is at risk. The robot nozzle allows the firefighters to spray and control the water. The navigation systems that clear the path for the firefighters with the shape and design of the robot which can withstand heat, weight, and pressure. Additionally, the thermal imaging camera where it can help firefighters to locate victims and detects fires. This robot allows humans to decide which strategy will be the most effective without risking their lives (Little 2021). Therefore, these robots will aid the firefighters to perform their work in safe and efficient manner.

References:

FireFighting robot joins LA force. (December 15, 2021) Government Computer News

https://gcn.com/emerging-tech/2020/10/firefighting-robot-joins-la-force/315709/

 

IDEX Fire & Safety (n.d.) Why the Properly Maintaining Handline Nozzles Is Critical.

https://www.idexfiresafety.com/nozzles/why-properly-maintaining-handline-nozzles-is-critical/

 

Little, J.B. (October 29, 2021) Firefighting Robots Go Autonomous. Scientific American

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/firefighting-robots-go-autonomous/

 

Richard Bevill. (April 1, 2021) How to Use a Thermal Imaging Camera for Firefighting? Thermal Image Device.

https://thermalimagedevice.com/how-to-use-a-thermal-imaging-camera-for-firefighting/

THERCAM. (January 7, 2022) Here’s How Firefighters Use Thermal Imaging Cameras.

https://www.thercam.com/newsroom/heres-how-firefighters-use-thermal-imaging-cameras


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Formal Letter: Self Introduction

-
Subject: Self-introduction letter Dear Prof Brad Blackstone, I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and hope it allows you to know me better at the end of it. My name is Muhd Raizan and I am 24 years old this year. I’m currently studying mechanical engineering at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) as a Year 1 student who attended your critical thinking and communication class. Before getting accepted into SIT, I had a diploma in automation and mechatronics systems at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. My interest in mechanical engineering developed when I returned from a school trip to Japan. We went to various company sites for a visit. During the visit, they showed us different machines used in the engineering field. I was fascinated and intrigued by how the devices operate. I thought it would be great to be part of machine development in the future. Starting a conversation with individuals is one strength I believe I have instilled in me. During my tenure in national serv...
Read more

Design Summary Reader Response Draft #4

-
  Little’s (2021) article “Firefighting Robot Go Autonomous” informs the public about the research on using autonomous firefighting robots in the future. With more than 350,000 American homes burning yearly and climate change contributing to 10,000 active daily wildfires worldwide. These firefighting robots can offer to help reduce the risk of the firefighters as they can perform higher-risk tasks for humans as these robots are often, more robust, and agile (Little,2021). Little (2021) added that researchers are looking into “developing “intelligent” firefighting robots that can make decisions autonomously”. The same author also reported a firefighting robot named Robotics Systems 3 (SR3) has proven its capabilities and is now being used by the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD). In the article LAFD Assistant Chief stated that RS3, "has met some of these real-world mobility challenges and proved useful by dragging hose lines up steep hills and even pulling horses out of mud q...
Read more

Critical Reflection

-
  Module Learning At the start of the module, I was tasked to set 2 goals to achieve by the end of this module. In a blink of an eye, 13 weeks have passed and it’s been a fruitful journey.   The first goal was to refine my grammar and organize my ideas properly. In the first few weeks of the module, I learn how to organize my thoughts through the Paul-Elder Framework and the 7 C’s of communications. Before reading about the framework, I always find it difficult to arrange my thoughts to whether is it enough or if the message relayed was clear. The framework allows me to arrange and structure my thoughts correctly as well as put them into words. This framework has been my blueprint ever since it was introduced to me. I find it easier to write my reports and assignments with the guide of the framework. With this module, there are samples and rubrics which I can refer to sense how it should be written. To refine my grammar, I started paying more attention to every single wo...
Read more