The integration of Unmanned Ground Systems (UGS) into firefighting and public safety operations is limited. The Center of Excellence for Advanced Technology Aerial Firefighting (CoE) is researching to evaluate the use of UGS in Colorado public safety operations. UGS have the potential to be a force multiplier by completing tasks autonomously, thereby reducing personnel demand. The CoE has conducted tests with one UGS platform in a wildland fire environment and has also researched other platforms.
Honda Autonomous Work Vehicle
At the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show, Honda announced the concept of the Honda Autonomous Work Vehicle. Part of that announcement was an invitation for organizations to submit proposals for development and testing. The CoE submitted a research proposal to Honda to investigate opportunities in wildland firefighting in Colorado. As a result, Honda and the CoE conducted testing in the fall of 2018 on the Lake Christine Fire burn area. This report details that work. The CoE and Honda are currently planning follow-up research in the Fall of 2020.
