You previously read about robots that put out fires here but this SmokeBot is just a little bit different. It is the result of a European project led by Sweden's Örebro University for carrying out reconnaissance missions in environments and buildings where visibility is limited by smoke. During reconnaissance, the SmokeBot produces a road map that firefighters can then use.
In its current form, SmokeBot looks through dense smoke using a combination of stereo thermal camera, 3D radar camera and a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) unit. Images and other data are sent in real time to an operator outside the building. This controls the robot via an internet connection. Should the robot lose contact with the operator, it automatically returns to the last place where it had contact with the internet.
SmokeBot is further equipped with broadband gas sensors, allowing it to measure the type of gas and its temperature and concentration within the building. Based on this data, firefighters can be warned of explosion risks in time.
The SmokeBot was initially developed for various rescue operations. But its many functions make it excellent for other applications as well. With the development and deployment of various sensors, the area of application could become even larger. In fact, deployment in the agricultural sector is already being considered. In certain countries, there is already a need for robots capable of seeing through dust. Gas sensors can also be used to measure different kinds of gas emissions.
Before it can be used, SmokeBot will just have to gain some speed. Currently, it takes 15 to 30 minutes to collect all the necessary data. That is too long to be able to rescue people from a fire.
