Design Summary Reader Response Draft #4

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 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 quagmires."(Little,2021, para 7). However, these robots are unable to work on their own and require the firefighter input. Although these robots are unable to replace firefighters, the 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 ten 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 that will reduce the risks of the firefighters will be the navigation system. The navigation system can help the robot manoeuvre along different terrains and clear its path. The RS3 has worked with firefighters in buildings with collapsing roofs where there is a place that the fire department could potentially lose a human life (Little,2021). The RS3 has a low centre of gravity that 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. Therefore, the RS3 is an asset and great assistant to the firefighters to navigate in difficult terrains.

Lastly, the thermal imaging camera of the RS3 will be acting as the eyes of the firefighters 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 spreading, which enables the firefighters to visualize where the temperature is lower or higher. It also helps firefighters to see through smoke and detect potential victim’s location (Bevill,2021). Thus, the thermal imaging camera helps firefighters to perform their work safely as it can provide accurate information about the surroundings.

However, the RS3 does have a limitation when it comes to assisting with firefighting operations. The RS3 is not autonomous as it cannot operate on its own. The people running the RS3 are processing all the information and make decisions 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. (2021, December 15). 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. (2021, October 29). Firefighting robots go autonomous. Scientific American.

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

Bevill, R. (2021, April 1). 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. (2022, January 7). Here’s How Firefighters Use Thermal Imaging Cameras.

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

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