EBERSWALDE, Germany — A technology company has unveiled an innovative drone equipped with artificial intelligence designed for early wildfire detection, aiming to accelerate the identification and management of such fires. The Silvaguard drone was showcased in Eberswalde, near Berlin, responding to the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires fueled by extreme heat and climate changes worldwide.
The drone is capable of delivering infrared imagery and integrates with a pre-existing fire detection system employed across several nations. This system, known as Silvanet, uses solar-powered gas sensors to detect wildfires at their nascent stages. These sensors communicate via a wireless network and can safeguard areas akin to the size of a football field when attached to trees.
The operational plan entails Silvanet identifying a fire, which in turn prompts the Silvaguard drone to autonomously proceed to the location to capture detailed visual data. According to Carsten Brinkschulte, CEO and co-founder of Dryad Networks, during a demonstration, the combination of Silvanet sensors and the Silvaguard drone showcased its potential by detecting and responding to a fire quickly. The drone autonomously navigated to the detected location, capturing overhead infrared and optical video of the incident.
Despite the promising capabilities demonstrated by the new technology, the company is currently awaiting regulatory approval for the commercial deployment of the Silvaguard drone. Once in operation, the system would provide crucial information, such as geographic coordinates and visual data, aiding firefighters in understanding the fire’s spread and determining the resources necessary for effective response.
Brinkschulte emphasized the critical importance of rapid response in wildfire situations, asserting that speed is paramount to managing such emergencies effectively.