FireDrone Secures €161K from Venture Kick for Heat-Resistant Drones
Swiss startup FireDrone, an Empa spin-off, has been awarded €161,000 (CHF 150,000) by Venture Kick to advance the development of drones capable of withstanding extreme heat. These drones are designed to enhance safety during emergency response and industrial inspections.
Challenges in High-Temperature Environments
Firefighters and industrial safety personnel face significant dangers when working in high-temperature settings such as burning buildings and industrial furnaces. Common hazards include toxic smoke, unstable structures, and intense heat, conditions where traditional drones typically fail to operate effectively, thereby restricting real-time situational awareness.
Innovative Heat-Resistant Drone Technology
FireDrone’s autonomous drones can endure temperatures around 200°C by utilizing thermal insulation and cooling systems. This technology enables real-time hazard detection in environments where conventional drones are ineffective, improving safety, minimizing downtime, and aiding operational decisions.
Target Markets and Applications
- High-temperature industrial inspections in sectors like cement, steel, aluminium, waste-to-energy, fertiliser, and glass production
- Public safety operations involving first responders, especially in heat- and smoke-filled environments
"The platform uses thermal insulation and cooling to support safety, reduce downtime, and inform operational decisions."
FireDrone focuses on protecting people, infrastructure, and the environment while improving the safety of demanding operations worldwide.
Author’s summary: FireDrone’s heat-resistant drones offer a groundbreaking solution by enabling safe, real-time inspections and emergency responses in extreme heat conditions where standard drones fail.