FireDrone Secures €161K Funding from Venture Kick
Swiss startup FireDrone, an Empa spin-off, received €161,000 (CHF 150,000) from Venture Kick to advance its development of heat-resistant drones designed for extreme environments.
Enhancing Safety in High-Risk Operations
The company creates autonomous drones capable of withstanding temperatures near 200°C. These drones improve real-time hazard detection in situations where conventional drones fail, such as burning buildings and industrial furnaces.
Challenges Faced by Emergency and Industrial Teams
- Exposure to toxic smoke
- Structural instability
- Extreme heat conditions
These factors limit the use of typical drones, restricting situational awareness during critical operations.
Technological Approach
FireDrone integrates thermal insulation and cooling systems into its drones, aiming to enhance safety, minimize operational downtime, and provide actionable data for decision-making.
Target Markets
The company focuses on two main sectors:
- High-temperature industrial inspections
- Public safety and first-responder scenarios
The initial market includes industries such as cement, steel, aluminium, waste-to-energy, fertiliser, and glass production, where standard drones cannot function reliably due to heat and smoke.
"Firefighters and industrial safety teams encounter risks assessing high-temperature settings, including burning buildings and industrial furnaces, where conventional drones typically cannot operate."
Author's summary: FireDrone’s innovative heat-resistant drones are set to revolutionize safety and operational efficiency in hazardous high-temperature environments globally.