Drone Abstract
Assistive Technology Firefighting Drone
Jonathan Russo; Shilun Zhou
University of Miami School of Architecture
Abstract
Drone technology is rapidly expanding due to much popularity in the press. The possible applications are also very broad. After much contemplation on how the technology could most appropriately be applied as an assistive technology, it seems that firefighting applications are extremely plausible. A drone could be used as an aid in rescuing a person from a burning building, especially if the person is trapped in a certain area where human firefighters are unable to reach. The drone could provide the person in danger with a carbon dioxide reducing mask, rope ladder for window escape, and also serve as a guide to find the safest exit route utilizing a thermal camera which could be used to asses the affected area. This application of drone technology can both lower the risks for human firefighters as well as reduce the amount of deaths and injuries caused by building fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association there were 1,389,000 in 2011 resulting in 3,005 deaths and 17,500 injuries. [i]
[i] National Fire Protection Association, U.S. Census Bureau, and Consumer Price Index