FireDrone Secures €161K from Venture Kick for Heat-Resistant Drones
The Swiss startup FireDrone is advancing safety technologies for emergency response and industrial inspections by creating drones capable of functioning in extreme heat environments. They recently received €161,000 (CHF 150,000) from Venture Kick to support the development of these heat-resistant drones.
Challenges in High-Temperature Environments
Firefighters and industrial safety teams face numerous hazards when working around burning buildings or industrial furnaces. These dangers include toxic smoke, structural instability, and intense heat, conditions under which traditional drones usually fail, limiting situational awareness during emergencies.
Innovative Drone Technology by FireDrone
As an Empa spin-off, FireDrone designs autonomous drones that can endure temperatures up to approximately 200°C. Equipped with thermal insulation and cooling systems, these drones enable real-time hazard detection where standard drones are ineffective, enhancing safety, reducing operational downtime, and aiding in critical decision-making.
Primary Market Focus
- High-temperature industrial inspections, involving sectors like cement, steel, aluminium, waste-to-energy, fertiliser, and glass production
- Public safety missions where conventional drones cannot operate due to heat and smoke
“FireDrone develops heat-resistant autonomous drones designed to withstand temperatures of around 200°C and provide real-time hazard detection in environments where standard systems are ineffective.”
These innovative solutions aim to protect people, infrastructure, and the environment globally, improving safety during high-risk operations.
Summary: FireDrone is pioneering heat-resistant drone technology to enhance emergency response and industrial inspections, addressing critical safety challenges in extreme heat environments worldwide.