A new trial in the UK is testing robotic dogs to help detect wildfires before they spread. The project aims to support firefighters by using advanced sensors and technology to identify early signs of danger in remote or high-risk areas.
The robotic dogs are equipped with thermal cameras and air-quality sensors that can alert teams to heat changes, smoke, or unusual environmental shifts. They can move through rough terrain where human crews may struggle to reach quickly or safely.
Fire services involved in the trial say the technology could give them crucial extra minutes to respond, especially as hotter, drier weather increases the risk of wildfires. The machines are also being tested for nighttime patrols and monitoring sites after a fire has been extinguished.
If successful, the robotic dogs could become part of the UK’s broader strategy to manage climate-driven fire risks and support emergency responders with real-time data and safer field operations.