Using UAVs and IoT sensors to detect forest fires early
Previously, in 2019, Telefónica, a Spanish multinational telecommunications company, in collaboration with Carlos III de Madrid University (UC3M), Divisek and Dronitec Company, carried out an experimental study with an aerial aircraft. autopilot based on IoT solution for early detection of fire.
UC3M develops autonomous flying UAVs and interfaces that emergency services use to control real-time information; Divisek develops an autonomous UAV charging system, and Dronitec provides testing-related services. Telefónica's existing infrastructure is used to provide real-time data connectivity.
Telefonica has communication towers located throughout the area around Madrid, equipped with thermal sensors. In the towers there is a hangar for a drone, equipped with sensors, thermal and optical cameras. When the heat sensors on the communication tower detect a fire, it will send an alert to the UAV with the original coordinates. The UAV flies to the fire site, determines the coordinates, collects optical video and thermal images, and sends the information to a real-time emergency service center.
