Firefighting robots should be made responsibly

Abstract

Firefighting robots have the potential to transform emergency response by operating in hazardous environments that pose extreme risks to firefighters. These ‘firebots’ can withstand extreme heat, smoke and structural instability without fatigue. However, experienced firefighters rely on intuition, teamwork and years of practice to navigate these dangers. Scepticism toward innovation in high-stakes environments is expected, and if poorly integrated, firebots could indeed hinder rather than enhance safety. To ensure that firebots complement rather than disrupt life-saving operations, we argue for a responsible design framework that aligns their development with firefighter values and decision-making processes.

Firefighting is an extremely hazardous profession, exposing firefighters to intense heat, toxic smoke and the risk of structural collapse. Operating in low-visibility conditions, they must make split-second decisions with limited information while enduring severe physical and psychological stress. These challenges not only increase the immediate risk of injury or death but also may contribute to long-term health consequences, such as cancer. Recognizing these risks, fire departments have long explored technology to enhance safety and efficiency. Teleoperated firefighting robots are increasingly used to provide situational awareness and execute basic tasks such as towing and fire suppression. However, they require substantial human oversight, diverting attention from critical life-saving actions. As a result, there is growing interest in advancing robotic autonomy to enable a more seamless human–robot collaboration, in which AI not merely assists but also provides decision-making support in high-risk environments. However, increased autonomy introduces new risks, particularly if firebots fail in unpredictable, life-threatening conditions without robust safety mechanisms and oversight.