The Design of a Novel Multi-Purpose Fire Fighting Robot with Video Streaming Capability

Abstract

In this work we introduce a novel design of a multi-purpose fire-fighting robot which, with the help of a streaming video camera attached to it, transmits live video from its surroundings to a remote location from where the robot can be controlled. The robot can be mobilized and directed to the spot of the fire and throw water at the fire. It uses RF signal for communication and it is capable of performing three different functions related to firefighting operation. First, it can remove smoke from the location of fire using a suction vacuum fan and a cylinder attached to it, so people do not suffocate from smoke inhalation. Second, it takes continuous snaps of its surroundings to detect human faces using Viola-Jones face detection algorithm, so the rescue squad can know from a safe distance if there are trapped people who need to be rescued. Third, it can throw water at the fire at any angle using a rotating nozzle controlled by a remotely controlled servo motor. This multi-purpose fire-fighting robot is inexpensive but reliable. It can effectively reduce the human risk of fire-fighting operation. The design of the robot is cost effective, which makes it especially attractive for deployment in developing countries.