FireDrone Secures €161K from Venture Kick for Heat-Resistant Drones
Swiss startup FireDrone has received €161,000 (CHF 150,000) from Venture Kick to advance the development of drones capable of operating in extreme heat environments. These drones are engineered to improve safety in emergency response and industrial inspections by protecting people, infrastructure, and the environment.
Challenges in High-Temperature Environments
Firefighters and industrial safety teams face significant risks when working near burning structures or industrial furnaces. These hazards include toxic smoke, unstable building conditions, and intense heat, which make it difficult for conventional drones to function and limit real-time situational awareness.
Innovative Heat-Resistant Drone Technology
FireDrone, a spin-off from Empa, manufactures autonomous drones equipped with thermal insulation and cooling systems. These drones withstand temperatures around 200°C and enable real-time detection of hazards in conditions where standard drones fail.
"The platform uses thermal insulation and cooling to support safety, reduce downtime, and inform operational decisions."
Target Markets and Applications
The company focuses on two main sectors:
- High-temperature industrial inspections
- Public safety and first-responder support
Key industries targeted include cement, steel and aluminium production, waste-to-energy plants, fertilizer manufacturing, and glass production. FireDrone enhances operations in scenarios where typical drones cannot operate due to extreme heat and smoke.
Author's Summary
FireDrone's advanced heat-resistant drones address critical safety gaps in emergency response and industrial inspections by enabling real-time hazard detection in extreme environments.