A firefighter robot is designed to protect human lives by performing hazardous tasks, detecting fires early for faster response, autonomously suppressing flames using water or other extinguishing agents, and reaching areas that are inaccessible or unsafe for humans, such as collapsed buildings or confined spaces. These robots enhance firefighting efficiency by providing real-time data, remotely assessing dangerous situations, and directly controlling fires to minimize damage and prevent escalation.
The primary objective of a firefighter robot is to improve the safety and effectiveness of firefighting operations by taking on high-risk duties in environments that are too dangerous for humans. This is achieved through several key functions:
Human Safety: Operates in extreme conditions such as high temperatures or unstable structures, reducing the risk of injury or loss of life.
Early Detection: Utilizes sensors and cameras to quickly identify fires, smoke, and heat, enabling rapid response.
Autonomous Fire Suppression: Employs water cannons, foam, or other agents to extinguish fires without direct human control.
Enhanced Accessibility: Navigates complex terrains and reaches areas that are difficult or unsafe for human firefighters, such as confined spaces or tall structures.
– Developing participants’ STEM skills and creativity.
– Promote teamwork and problem-solving thinking.
– In this challenge, the robot moves along a winding path and extinguishes lit candles around the ground.
– All participants must register under one of the designated age groups.
– Each team must consist of one to three members and one coach.
– The robot must be fully programmed by the design team to perform the competition tasks autonomously, without any external connection or assistance during operation.
– Any form of sabotage or cheating will result in immediate disqualification.
The operational field for a firefighting robot is defined by the specific and often challenging environment in which it is deployed. The selection of this field depends on the robot’s ability to navigate, detect, and operate effectively under extreme conditions. One of the key considerations is the terrain of the fire scene, as the robot’s chassis and mobility system must be appropriately designed for the type of surface it will encounter.
In this setup, a candle, approximately 10 centimetres in height, is placed at the centre of the track. The racetrack includes tunnels with the following specifications:
– The width of each tunnel is approximately 30 centimetres.
– The wall height is about 10 centimetres, while the height of the cuts is around 4 centimetres.
– The width of the cuts ranges between 10 and 15 centimetres.
– The playing field does not contain any 90-degree corners.
Mechanics: Participants must use standard student gearbox motors (TT Gear Motor).
Electronics: Any type of sensor or processor may be used.
Power Supply:
– The robot’s power source must be battery-operated, with a maximum voltage of 12 volts.
– External power sources such as transformers or adapters are not allowed.
– The voltage supplied to the motors must not exceed 14 volts, or the robot will be disqualified.
– Robots have two 8-minute runs, allowing a maximum of two records to be set.
– Extinguishing a candle earns 10 points; misidentifying a candle earns 5 points.
– False candle detection occurs when the robot’s extinguishing system activates without a candle.
– If the system is constantly on, the robot cannot compete.
– Example: If a robot uses a fan to put out a fire, turning it on without a candle results in a 5-point penalty, and the fan cannot remain on continuously.
– If the robot gets stuck on the field, the referee may place it back on the main path after 5 seconds.
– Once the robot reaches the end of the path, the run is over and it cannot return to the field.
– The winner is the team with the highest points in the shortest time.
– If there are few teams, age divisions may be ignored by the refereeing team.
- Reduced human risk: Using robots in dangerous areas minimizes the chance of firefighter injury or death, lowering associated costs.
- Reduced long-term costs: Robots help limit fire damage, operational downtime, and expenses from large-scale fires.
- Emergency shut off: Safety features, such as emergency stop buttons, allow immediate deactivation.
- Long-lasting power source: Durable batteries or onboard generators support extended firefighting operations.
- Robust communication: Secure, stable links with operators, potentially with redundant systems, ensure control in challenging environments.
- Nozzle precision: Remotely controlled, multi-directional nozzles allow accurate application of extinguishing agents.
- Extinguisher types: Robots must carry the appropriate agent for the fire type.
- Thermal imaging: Infrared cameras detect heat through smoke, mapping hotspots and locating fire sources or victims.
- Visual cameras: High-definition cameras provide real-time feeds for situational awareness and precise operation.
- Obstacle avoidance: Sensors such as LiDAR and ultrasonic systems detect and evade obstacles in low-visibility or complex terrain.
- Autonomous and remote control: Robots can be remotely operated or navigate semi-autonomously along pre-mapped or learned routes.
- Tracked systems: Provide stability and traction over uneven ground, stairs, and debris.
- Wheeled systems: Offer speed and manoeuvrability on flat surfaces like industrial floors or roads.
- Legged systems: Enable versatile movement over stairs and complex, unstructured environments.
- Heat resistance: Constructed from heat-resistant materials to prevent damage; some models withstand temperatures up to 1000°C.
- Water and chemical resistance: Waterproof shells and corrosion-resistant components protect electronics and mechanics.
- Impact protection: Strong frames and shock absorption protect the robot from falling debris and collisions.
- Power and autonomy: Battery life determines operational duration; autonomous navigation reduces the need for constant human control.
- Communication: Reliable connections are essential, especially in signal-challenged environments; 5G or mesh networks can help.
- Water source and supply: Robots with autonomous water tanks have more flexibility than those relying on external hoses.