↘ Firefighting Drone

Overview

Design of an autonomous drone to support firefighters during wildfires by providing rapid detection, monitoring, and targeted action. A one-week collaboration with Alix Fleurichamp, Corentin Jego, and Samuel Boudier, bridging product and transport design approaches.

Brief

We were asked to imagine a drone concept in just five days, based on a randomly assigned theme. Our group focused on firefighting assistance, a pressing issue with forest fires becoming increasingly frequent and destructive. The challenge was to design an autonomous drone capable of detecting fire outbreaks using advanced technologies, slowing their spread, and in some cases extinguishing them before firefighters arrive.

Research

We began by studying how drones could complement existing firefighting methods. Current systems often face limitations in early detection and rapid response. By exploring technologies such as thermal imaging, LIDAR mapping, and coordinated swarm operation, we identified key opportunities where drones could provide immediate intervention, reduce risks for firefighters, and buy critical time in emergency scenarios.

Development

Throughout the week, we sketched, modelled, and refined the concept, balancing feasibility with innovation. The design process integrated new technologies into a compact aerial system that could act autonomously, communicate in real time, and operate collectively in swarms. Special attention was given to ensuring modular capabilities: extinguishing fires directly, containing outbreaks, and supporting firefighters during aftermath operations.

Storyboard illustrating the complete operational workflow of the firefighting drone, from initial fire detection and autonomous response to collaborative action with firefighters.

Design ideation for the firefighting drone project, showing various conceptual sketches alongside detailed engineering drawings for the final product.

3D model of the firefighting drone from side, overhead, and front views, detailing the final design from multiple technical perspectives.

Three-panel storyboard showing the firefighting drone's capabilities in action, from dropping a fire suppression grenade to helping ground crews locate hotspots.

Final product

The final proposal is a modular drone system equipped with a 4G/5G communication module for swarm operation, SONAR and LIDAR for 3D mapping, a conventional camera for visual monitoring, and a thermal infrared camera to detect and track fire outbreaks. In use, the drone can extinguish small fires with anti-fire grenades, contain larger outbreaks by dropping delaying grenades on sensitive areas, and support firefighters by transmitting real-time data. Once the fire is under control, the drones can be operated directly by firefighters to detect hotspots or flare-ups. This combination of autonomous action and human support makes the drone an effective first-response tool and a valuable ally in forest fire management.