
The InsightFD1 fire detection robot scans an area for fire
This is the story of how the company I work for, Insight Robotics, is trying to change the way forest fires are fought, and some of the surprising twists and turns that mission has taken us on along the way. Fair warning, the story involves sensors, robots, drug cartels and a whole lot more.
To a non-specialist, the scale of wildfires can come as a shock. Globally, they burn over 3% of the world’s vegetated landmass every year. Some level of wildfire is an important element in biodiversity, but human activity and climate change have caused rapid and dangerous increases in their frequency and intensity worldwide. In densely populated areas such as Europe, North America and Asia for example, humans are responsible for up to 95% of wildfires. And fire season has gotten almost 20% longer since 1980 due to climate change, which by 2050 is also expected to cause a 50-100% increase in the area burnt by wildfires in countries like the United States.
Continue reading →