Fighting Wildfires: UC Davis Takes UAV Detection Tech to NCAS
Wildfires are becoming more frequent and destructive, and UC Davis' research team is working on a solution. They recently brought their wildfire detection project to the Northern California Aerospace Symposium (NCAS) - an annual gathering of researchers, faculty, and students from UC Davis, Stanford, and UC Berkeley. NCAS creates a space for deep discussions, fresh ideas, and bold research in aerospace technology, covering everything from aerodynamics and guidance systems to sustainable fuels.
UAV Swarm for Early Wildfire Detection
At the event, the team presented their poster, "UAV Swarm for Early Wildfire Detection via Onboard Sensing and Smoke Plume Tracking." Their goal? To detect wildfires faster and more reliably. With wildfires hitting communities harder each year, their work is more urgent than ever.
The team’s approach is a swarm of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), working together, using Spresense-enabled technology to detect and track smoke in real-time. These UAVs are equipped with chemical sensors, air samplers, and RGB/thermal cameras, giving them the ability to spot early signs of fire where traditional methods might fall short.
Prabhash Ragbir, a doctoral researcher on the team, explains: "The key idea is to utilize both real-time data from multiple sensors together with smoke model predictions to accurately and efficiently guide the UAVs to possible wildfire locations. This can allow for early detection of fires while they are still small enough to be more easily managed."
Spresense Technology is powering smarter UAVs
The Spresense-powered UAVs act as real-time wildfire scouts, processing data on smoke and environmental conditions as they move. This information is crucial for first responders and disaster teams, giving them the edge they need to act quickly.
Along with their UAV swarm, the team has also been developing a smoke propagation model - a tool that simulates how wildfire smoke spreads across different terrains. Understanding how smoke moves helps improve response strategies and makes wildfire management more effective.
What’s Next?
With their research moving full steam ahead, the team is gearing up for the next step: testing their UAV swarm in real wildfire conditions. Controlled burns and real fire events will help refine their smoke model and prove the system’s effectiveness in emergency situations. Up next, they’re also fine-tuning the UAV control systems to ensure they can autonomously navigate tough environments - a key step towards making this technology a game-changer for wildfire response.
Working Together for a Solution
UC Davis’ participation in NCAS shows the power of collaboration in tackling big challenges. This project is supported by Sony’s Sensing Solution University Collaboration Program (SSUP), which provides both funding and technology to help bring their ideas to life. With each breakthrough, the team is getting closer to a future where UAV technology plays a key role in detecting wildfires faster, responding smarter, and protecting communities.
