UK researchers seek to harness AI and drones to combat wildfires

Drones could soon be teaming up in swarms to battle wildfires before they spread out of control. Researchers in the United Kingdom hope they can harness the power of artificial intelligence to create fleets of drones capable of detecting and extinguishing flames at an early stage.

A combined team of firefighters, scientists and engineers are working on a project that could enable up to 30 drones to collaborate, identify and suppress fires autonomously. While drones piloted by humans are already used in firefighting to detect hidden hot spots, this approach would take technology to the next level.

The goal is to use large, twin-engined drones with wingspans of 31 feet, to carry water or fire retardant and deploy it effectively.

Dr. Sabine Hauert, a professor from the University of Bristol and one of the project’s partners, said that swarm engineering, much like a flock of birds, would allow these drones to cover vast areas, detecting and responding to wildfires quickly.

“When you look at birds and ants and bees, they can do beautiful, complex behaviors by co-ordinating and so we take inspiration from that to co-ordinate large numbers of robots,” Hauert said.

The project is still in its testing phase and has yet to be deployed on an actual wildfire. However, the project is the first initiative to integrate swarm engineering with autonomous drone technology in the fight against fires.

As wildfire risks continue to grow worldwide, projects like these are pushing the boundaries of technology to find innovative ways to keep communities safe.