Fire Fighting Tactics with Aerial Hose-type Robot “Dragon Firefighter”

Abstract

We herein propose the method for developing an “aerial hose type robot” called the “Dragon Firefighter (DFF)” that can fly along with the water jet. We focus on realizing a novel concept through which obstacles can be avoided and fire spots can be accessed from a distance, thereby enabling direct firefighting, and evaluating fire suppression ability from a close distance of fire source for practical useage. Using robotics, we aim to extinguish the fire from a distance, simultaneously guaranteeing firefighters' safety. We were able to realize stable floating of a hose of length 2.8 m (total length of 3.6 m), which is twice that of a conventional one, overcoming the height gap of approximately 1.5 m and the size of frontage 1.0×2.5 m. We demonstrated a fire extinguishing, however the ability of fire extinguishing about DFF was unknown. Hence, we conducted a mist spray experiment from a close distance to validate the cooling effect of water. Considering the aerial nature of our robot, we concluded that a mist spray from its nozzle module will be more effective for extinguishing fires. Finally, we presented the consideration of firefighting tactics using the proposed DFF for practical implementation.