UK researchers are optimistic that drones could soon be operating in coordinated swarms to extinguish fires before they escalate into wildfires.
A collaboration between firefighters, scientists, and engineers is underway, aiming to develop a system where up to 30 autonomous drones work together, utilizing artificial intelligence to detect and suppress fires.
Currently, drones operated by humans are used in firefighting for tasks such as identifying hidden fires and evaluating safety risks.
Although the project is still in its testing phase and has not yet been deployed in a real wildfire scenario, the team believes they are pioneering the integration of unpiloted drone technology with swarm engineering specifically for firefighting.
The drones intended for future use in firefighting are large twin-engine aircraft with a wingspan of 9.5 meters (31 feet) and the capability to carry significant amounts of water.
The BBC witnessed a small-scale demonstration in Cornwall, where a swarm of drones, including one of these large aircraft and two smaller ones, autonomously identified a fire set in a bin, showcasing their potential.
The team envisions these drones eventually carrying water or fire retardant to combat fires effectively. In the recent trial, the drones simulated this by descending towards the bin, mimicking an approach to a fire.
These drones are designed to operate independently, adapting to changing flight conditions without remote pilot intervention.
Swarm engineering, the next phase of the project, focuses on enabling multiple drones to work together seamlessly in real-world situations, according to Prof Sabine Hauert from the University of Bristol, a project partner.
“When you observe birds, ants, and bees, you see them perform complex behaviors through coordination, and we draw inspiration from that to manage large numbers of robots,” she explained to BBC News.
Drones equipped with AI, working both individually and as a coordinated group, could potentially monitor vast areas, such as the size of California, and respond more rapidly to remote fires.
Similar to how a flock of birds can adapt to changes in their environment, these drone swarms could be deployed for extended periods, ensuring continuous coverage even when some drones need to refuel.
The twin-engine drones, developed by UK-based Windracers, are also being tested in Antarctica to assist experts in predicting the impacts of climate change.
Before this technology can be implemented in real-world scenarios, regulatory approval would be required.
Most wildfires in the UK are ignited by human activities, such as using barbecues in open areas, improperly disposing of smoking materials, or intentionally setting fires that then spread, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).
The NFCC notes that climate change is leading to longer periods of dry, warm weather in the UK, increasing the likelihood that small fires could escalate into larger incidents.
Since 2021, there have been over 1,500 wildfires in England and Wales, according to new data from National Resilience, which coordinates responses to significant or catastrophic events.
