Automated drones to fly ahead of Munich fire department in the future
From now on, drones will be stationed at two fire stations in Munich, flying ahead during operations and automatically providing an initial situational overview.
(Image: Feuerwehr MĂĽnchen)
In Munich, automated drones can soon fly ahead during fire department operations to scout the scene. The Bavarian state capital announced this on Monday and made details about the project public. The devices will be stationed at two fire stations, from where they can cover the entire city area together. For example, in cases of fires, flood situations, traffic accidents, or searches for missing persons, they can reach their destination automatically. They are not controlled, but the flight is monitored by pilots who can intervene at any time. Completely autonomous use without human supervision will not take place, assures the fire department.
Numerous Safety Precautions
The drones are intended to provide firefighters with a significantly better situational overview on their way to the scene, explains the responsible department head of the Munich fire department. For the program, they are working with a drone company called Skyflow, which also provides the pilots who monitor the flights. The fire department hopes for a faster assessment of dangers and a more targeted deployment of firefighters. To ensure flight safety, restricted airspaces, danger zones, and sensitive areas will be actively avoided, and the lightweight drones are equipped with a parachute system for controlled emergency landings. They are also wrapped in the colors of the fire department.
Automatisierte Drohnen der Feuerwehr MĂĽnchen (8 Bilder)
Feuerwehr MĂĽnchen
)The fire department further assures that image and video recordings made during operational flights will be used exclusively for operational purposes. Access is strictly regulated. It cannot be ruled out that private properties or uninvolved people may be captured during flights at a height of 100 to 120 meters. There will be no surveillance flights without an operational reason, and coordination will take place with the police or operators of rescue helicopters. The devices are equipped with "modern sensors" and can also take thermal images. At the scene, the drones can descend to 30 meters, which is their minimum flight altitude.
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According to those responsible, this is the first automated drone operation of this magnitude in all of Germany. Although the fire department has been using drones for some time, they are manually controlled. The Munich fire department intends to share the experiences from the pilot project, which is now beginning, with others. In the spring, it is also to be expanded, with a location in the district of Munich to be added. Preparations for this are already underway. After six months, an evaluation will be carried out to determine whether the project has proven itself.
(mho)
