Control Autonomous Mobile Robot for Firefighting Task

Abstract

Fire plays an indispensable role for humans. However, fire accident is one of the leading hazards endangering human life and health, leads to unpredictable loss to the economy, and destroy the environment. Fire accident may happen anywhere, when fires outbreak will push the firefighters on duty facing with dangers. Research and development of firefighting robots to replace firefighters becomes necessary. In general, firefighting robots are required to be able to move on chaotic and constantly changing terrain, avoid obstacles, detect and approach to fire areas, extinguish firea and save victim. In this research, we have designed and manufactured a belt-driven mobile robot capable of moving on a number of variable terrains, integrated with a machine vision system to detect and identify fires. PLC-based controller is responsible for control the robot to approach the fire areas and avoid obsstacles. Experiment work has been conducted and results showed the accuracy of fire detection and an ability of the proposed robot in performing the required firefighting activities.