ESP-32 BASED FIRE FIGHTING ROBOT

1
DR.T.Menakadevi, 2P.Dinesh Kanna, 3M.Gokulnath,

1
Professor, 2,3UG scholars, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering,

Adhiyamaan College of Engineering (AUTONOMOUS), Hosur

ABSTRACT
A fire outbreak is a hazardous act that leads to numerous consequences.
Detecting a fire at an early stage and extinguishing it can aid in the prevention of
various accidents. Until now, we have relied on human resources, which often puts
lives at risk. Therefore, fire security becomes an important aspect of saving human
lives. In this project, a fire extinguishing robot has been proposed and designed to
detect the fire location and extinguish it using a sprinkler triggered by a pump. This
robot utilizes three flame sensors for accurate fire detection and operates using ESP-
32, allowing it to detect the presence of fire and extinguish it automatically without
human interference. This project contains a motor driver to control the robot's
movement when fire is detected and will automatically start the chemical solution
pump to combat the fire breakout. The robot features a chemical solution ejector
capable of directing chemical solution to the fire site, with the pipe's movement
controlled by a motor. Additionally, an Android application was used to enhance
functionality, providing users with real-time monitoring of the robot’s status, enabling
manual control of movements and chemical solution ejection when fire is detected.
This integration allows for a comprehensive fire safety solution, combining
automated firefighting capabilities with user-friendly technology. Automated
firefighting systems are well known as sprinkler systems and spray nozzles, and this
project aims to innovate within that space.

Keywords: ESP-32, Flame sensor, motor driver, water pump

I INTRODUCTION
An “ESP32-based fire-fighting robot” is an innovative and highly efficient device
designed to autonomously detect and extinguish fires, offering a modern solution to
fire emergencies. At the core of the system is the ESP32 microcontroller, a powerful
yet compact module known for its advanced processing capabilities, low power
consumption, and integrated wireless communication features like Wi-Fi and
Bluetooth. These attributes make the ESP32 an ideal choice for building intelligent
and connected robotic systems. The robot operates by using a combination of sensors
to monitor its surroundings and respond to potential fire hazards. Flame sensors,
smoke detectors, and temperature sensors are integrated into the design to identify
fire sources with high accuracy. Upon detecting fire, the robot triggers its firefighting
mechanism, which may include a water spray system, a CO2 extinguisher, or other
suppression methods. The robot’s ability to respond quickly to the presence of a fire
makes it a valuable tool in minimizing property damage and preventing the spread of
flames. Autonomy is one of the most critical features of this robot. It is equipped with
obstacle-avoidance sensors, such as ultrasonic or infrared sensors, allowing it to
navigate safely through its environment without human intervention. This capability
is particularly beneficial in hazardous environments where human safety could be at
risk, such as chemical plants, industrial facilities, or areas affected by natural
disasters. By relying on autonomous navigation, the robot can locate and move
directly to the fire source, even in complex or cluttered spaces. Another key
advantage of an ESP32-based fire-fighting robot is its ability to communicate
wirelessly. Using the ESP32's built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the robot can send real-
time data about the fire situation, such as temperature 1 levels, fire location, and robot
status, to a remote monitoring station or a smartphone application. This feature allows
human operators to stay informed and make critical decisions without needing to be
present at the site of the fire. In addition, the robot can be programmed to integrate
with other smart systems, enabling it to operate as part of a larger fire safety network.
The versatility of the ESP32-based fire-fighting robot extends beyond extinguishing
fires. It can also be used for fire prevention tasks, such as safety inspections and
identifying potential hazards in an area. Furthermore, its compact size and
programmable nature make it adaptable to various settings, including homes, offices,
warehouses, and factories.

II LITERATURE REVIEW
2016: A Fundamental Firefighting Robot

Tawfiq Ur Rakib and M.A. Rashid Sarkar presented a pioneering firefighting

robot in 2016. This robot was meticulously designed to withstand the harsh
conditions of a fire, incorporating water-resistant materials to protect its internal
components. To accurately detect heat and flames, the robot was equipped with
temperature sensors (LM35) and flame sensors. The integration of an Arduino
microcontroller enabled the robot to autonomously process sensor data, make
informed decisions, and execute precise movements. This fundamental robot laid the
groundwork for future advancements in firefighting robotics, demonstrating the
potential of technology to enhance safety and efficiency in fire suppression.

2015: A Modular Firefighting Robot

Saravanan P. and Soni Aishwarya introduced a modular firefighting robot in 2015,

emphasizing flexibility and adaptability. This robot's modular design allowed for the
integration of various components, such as different types of locomotion units (e.g.,
wheeled, tracked), diverse fire detection sensors (e.g., thermal imaging, flame
detection), and various extinguishing mechanisms (e.g., water spray, foam). This
modular approach enabled the robot to be customized to suit specific firefighting
scenarios, enhancing its versatility and effectiveness. Furthermore, the incorporation
of Bluetooth technology facilitated remote control of the robot, providing operators
with the ability to execute firefighting operations from a safe distance. This feature
significantly enhanced the safety of firefighters and expanded the scope of potential
applications for the robot.

2015: Remote Navigation Using DTMF Technology

DTMF Technology explored the use of DTMF signals for remote navigation of
firefighting robots in 2015. By utilizing DTMF signals, operators could control the
robot's movement and actions from a remote location. This approach proved
particularly beneficial in hazardous environments, such as those affected by fires,
where direct human intervention could be perilous. The integration of DTMF
technology enhanced the safety and efficiency of firefighting operations, allowing for
remote control of robots in challenging and dangerous conditions. These research
endeavours collectively contribute to the advancement of firefighting robotics,
offering innovative solutions to improve efficiency and safety in fire suppression. By
incorporating advanced technologies such as sensors, microcontrollers, and wireless
communication, these robots have the potential to revolutionize firefighting practices,
minimizing risks to human life and property.
 III EXISTING SYSTEM
The existing fire-fighting robots built using Arduino Uno have their own
limitations, which restrict their effectiveness in modern applications. These
systems are primarily designed to detect fire using basic sensors like flame or
temperature sensors and extinguish it with simple mechanisms such as water
sprays or CO2 extinguishers. While they can autonomously perform fire detection
and suppression tasks, they lack IoT features and advanced control capabilities.
Arduino Uno-based robots are not IoT-enabled, meaning they cannot
communicate with other devices or share real-time data over the internet. This
lack of connectivity makes it impossible to remotely monitor or control the robot,
limiting its usability in large-scale or complex environments. Furthermore, these
robots often cannot be controlled manually, which reduces flexibility in situations
where human intervention or supervision might be required to address specific
challenges, such as navigating intricate spaces or tackling large fires. In addition,
Arduino Uno has limited processing power and memory, which constrains the
robot’s ability to handle advanced features like complex navigation, multi-sensor
integration, or dynamic decision-making. The materials and designs used in these
robots are often basic and not optimized for durability or performance under
extreme conditions. This results in systems that are less reliable and potentially
more costly to maintain.

1V DISADVANTAGES

1) The robots cannot connect to the internet, so they cannot send updates or
be controlled remotely.

2) They cannot be operated manually, which is a problem in tricky

situations.

3) Arduino Uno is not powerful enough for advanced tasks like complex
navigation.
 V PROPOSED METHODOLOGY

The proposed system for the fire-fighting robot replaces the existing Arduino
Uno-based design with the ESP32 microcontroller to address its limitations and
introduce advanced features. With the ESP32, the robot gains IoT integration,
enabling real-time communication via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This allows the robot to
send fire updates and status information to a remote-control system or mobile app,
making it possible to monitor and control the robot from anywhere. Unlike the
Arduino-based system, the ESP32 enables both manual and autonomous control,
providing flexibility in emergencies. The ESP32 also offers greater processing power
and memory, allowing the robot to handle complex tasks such as dynamic navigation
and multi-sensor integration. The robot will be equipped with advanced sensors,
including flame detectors, temperature sensors, smoke detectors, and ultrasonic
sensors for obstacle avoidance, improving accuracy in fire detection and navigation.
Additionally, the materials and design of the robot will be upgraded to include heat-
resistant and durable components, ensuring reliable performance in extreme
conditions. The use of the ESP32 also reduces the overall cost of the system, making
it more affordable without compromising on functionality. The system is also highly
scalable, enabling multiple robots to work together as part of a larger fire safety
network. Furthermore, the system is easy to upgrade and maintain, allowing for
future improvements or feature additions. Overall, by replacing the Arduino Uno with
the ESP32, the proposed system creates a smarter, more efficient, and cost-effective
fire-fighting robot capable of handling modern fire safety challenges.
 VI BLOCK DIAGRAM
In this block diagram comprises fire sensors that detect heat and flames, an
ESP32 microcontroller for processing sensor data, an L293D motor driver IC to
control DC motors, and a motor pump for potentially releasing a fire-suppressing
agent. Upon fire detection, the microcontroller analyzes the sensor data,
determines the fire's severity, and activates appropriate responses, such as moving
the system or deploying fire-suppressing agents. When a sensor detects a fire, it
sends a signal to the microcontroller, which then analyzes the data to determine
the severity of the fire. Based on this analysis, the microcontroller sends control
signals to the motor driver and pump to execute the appropriate response. This
response could involve moving the system away from the fire, deploying a fire
suppressing agent, or both. The system's effectiveness can be enhanced by
incorporating additional sensors, enabling wireless communication, implementing
autonomous navigation, and integrating it with the Internet of Things.

Fig.1: Basic Block Diagram of Work-Flow

 VII ADVANTAGES

 Enhanced connectivity and remote control via IoT.

 Smarter decision-making with advanced processing and sensors.
 Safer and more reliable with heat-resistant materials and better navigation.
 Flexible operation with both manual and autonomous modes.
 Cost-effective design suitable for various settings, from homes to industrial
spaces.

VIII APPLICATION

 Residential and Commercial Fire Safety: The robot can patrol large
buildings and provide early fire off service to occupants or emergency
services.

 Industrial Fire Hazards: With its advanced sensors and heat resistance, the
robot can operate in factories or warehouses with high fire risk.

 Disaster Response: Deployed in disaster zones, the robot can assist in

search and rescue missions by identifying fire hotspots.

 Smart City Integration: The system can be incorporated into IoT-driven

smart city initiatives, enabling a connected network of fire-fighting robots
for urban safety.

IX RESULT AND CONCLUSION

In this project, a fire extinguishing robot has been designed to detect and
extinguish fires automatically without human interference, providing a
comprehensive solution for fire safety. The robot uses three flame sensors for
accurate fire detection and operates via an ESP-32 controller. Upon detecting fire,
the robot's motor driver controls its movement towards the fire and triggers a water
pump to spray chemical solution through a motor-controlled ejector. This system
ensures the precise targeting of the fire source. Additionally, an Android
application is integrated into the system, allowing real-time monitoring, manual
control of the robot’s movements, chemical solution ejection when a fire is
detected. This combination of automated firefighting with user-friendly technology
provides an innovative enhancement to traditional sprinkler systems, reducing risks
to human life by addressing fire hazards swiftly and effectively.

Integrating a robot into the fire protection system enhances the effectiveness
and efficiency of combating fires in large industrial facilities. The robot, equipped
with a high-capacity chemical solution sprinkler, autonomously navigates the
facility to detect and address fire outbreaks with precision. This model of Fire
Extinguishing Robot alleviates some of the burdens faced by firefighters during
emergency situations. The project aims to build a real-time firefighting robot that
moves at a constant speed, identifies fires, and extinguishes them using a pumping
mechanism. Detection and extinguishing are carried out using various hardware
components attached to the robot. To improve its functionality, DABBLE-an
Android application was developed, allowing users to monitor the robot’s
operations in real time when a fire is detected, and control its movements remotely.
This integration of a mobile interface not only enhances user engagement but also
enables quicker responses to fire incidents, making the firefighting efforts more
efficient and effective in safeguarding industrial environments.
 Fig.2 Fire Fighting Robot
using ESP32

IX FUTURE SCOPE

The future of ESP32-based firefighting robots is bright. They can

become even smarter by using advanced sensors and AI to detect and
fight fires better. They can work together with other robots, drones, and
smart devices to create a more powerful firefighting team. By using
renewable energy and advanced navigation, these robots can become
more efficient and effective in various environments. This will make
them a valuable tool in protecting lives and property from fire hazards.
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