Basic Electronics for Beginners: Fire Fighting Robot Assistant Project Concept

1. Introduction

Fire accidents in shops, malls, and warehouses are extremely dangerous due to smoke, heat, and low visibility. In many cases, firefighters cannot enter immediately.

This project presents a stair-climbing firefighting robot that can:

Enter dangerous areas
Carry a fire hose nozzle
Detect fire using a thermal camera
Assist firefighters by providing a safe pathway

The robot uses an external fire engine pump, so it does not carry water — making it lighter and more practical.

2. Components Required

Mechanical Components

Fiberglass body (3–5 mm thick)
Tank tracks (rubber + metal reinforced)
Heavy-duty chassis frame (Aluminum support)
Fire hose nozzle (6 kg approx)
Bearings and shaft system

Electronics Components

Arduino UNO / MEGA
High torque DC gear motors (2 or 4)
Motor Driver (BTS7960 – recommended, NOT L298N)
High torque servo motor (for camera rotation)
Relay module (10A/30A)
Thermal Camera Module (FLIR / MLX90640)
Cooling fan (12V)
Battery (Li-ion 12V / 24V)
Buck converter (for voltage regulation)

3. Circuit and Connections

Sample Wiring 1

Sample Wiring 2

Sample Wiring 3

Connections Overview

Motor Driver → Arduino PWM pins
Motors → BTS7960 output
Servo → Arduino PWM pin (5V supply)
Thermal Camera → I2C (SDA, SCL)
Relay → Digital pin
Fan → Relay controlled

4. Design and Concept (VERY IMPORTANT)

Body Design 1

Nozzle Fixing Design

Body Design

Material: Fiberglass (heat resistant + lightweight)
Thickness: 3–5 mm
Reinforced with aluminum frame

Movement System

Tracked system (tank type) for stair climbing
Track length > 25 cm
Wheel diameter inside track: 10–15 cm

Nozzle Design

Mounted at 45° angle
Reduces back force
Fixed (no servo needed → more stable)

Camera Placement

One high-mounted rotating camera (270° servo)
Helps locate hottest spot

Cooling System

Internal fan with heat vents
Protects electronics

5. Detailed Step By Step Circuit Working

Robot is powered ON
Motors receive commands from Arduino via BTS7960
Tracks move robot forward/backward
Servo rotates camera to scan area
Thermal camera detects hottest region
Robot aligns nozzle toward fire
Firefighters supply water through hose
Robot sprays water safely

6. Libraries to be Included


#include <Servo.h>
#include <Wire.h>

(Optional for thermal camera)


#include <Adafruit_MLX90640.h>

7. Code (Basic Control Code)


#include <Servo.h>

Servo camServo;

int motorLPWM = 5;
int motorRPWM = 6;

void setup() {
  pinMode(motorLPWM, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(motorRPWM, OUTPUT);
  camServo.attach(9);
}

void loop() {

  // Move forward
  analogWrite(motorLPWM, 200);
  analogWrite(motorRPWM, 200);
  delay(3000);

  // Stop
  analogWrite(motorLPWM, 0);
  analogWrite(motorRPWM, 0);
  delay(1000);

  // Rotate camera
  for(int i=0;i<=180;i++){
    camServo.write(i);
    delay(20);
  }

  for(int i=180;i>=0;i--){
    camServo.write(i);
    delay(20);
  }
}

8. Detailed Step By Step Code Working

Motors run using PWM signals
Servo rotates camera from 0° to 180°
Delay used for demonstration
Can be upgraded with:
- Remote control (RF / WiFi)
- AI fire detection

9. Power Supply Specification

Battery: 12V / 24V Li-ion
Motor current: 10–20A per motor
Servo: 5–7.4V
Use buck converter for Arduino

10. Motor Specification (IMPORTANT)

Voltage: 12V or 24V
Torque: ≥ 30 kg·cm
RPM: 100–300 RPM
Type: Metal gear motor

👉 Use BTS7960 Motor Driver

11. Load and Force Handling

Nozzle weight: ~6 kg
Hose force: Strong backward thrust

Solution

45° nozzle reduces recoil
Tracks increase friction
Low center of gravity (battery at bottom)

12. Waterproof and Heat Protection

Fiberglass body
Rubber sealing for joints
Electronics in sealed enclosure (IP65)
Heat-resistant wiring with fire resistant cloth covering the inner body

13. Fire Suppression Considerations

Water → Safe for electronics (if sealed)
Foam → Safe
Powder → May damage electronics (avoid direct exposure)

14. Wheel / Track Material

Heat-resistant rubber
Metal reinforced tracks
Anti-slip design

15. Prototype Sketch

Proto Type

16. Advantages

✔ Can enter dangerous fire zones
✔ Reduces risk to firefighters
✔ Works in smoke and darkness
✔ Stair climbing capability
✔ Supports real fire hose system

17. Limitations

❌ Requires external water source
❌ High torque motors increase cost
❌ Needs strong design for stability

18. Conclusion

This firefighting robot is a practical and powerful support system for real-world fire rescue operations. With features like:

Stair climbing tracks
Fiberglass heat-resistant body
45° fixed nozzle
Rotating thermal camera

…it can significantly improve firefighter safety and efficiency.

🔥 Estimated Cost (India)

Motors: ₹8,000 – ₹15,000
Driver: ₹1,500
Thermal Camera: ₹5,000 – ₹50,000
Body + Tracks:+ Thermal cloth ₹10,000+ 1000
Tyre extra

👉 Total: ₹20,000 – ₹79,000 (approx)