Huawei drones to be used for early fire detection

Deployment of drones for smoke and fire detection to aid in early fire prevention is being considered by state representatives, academics and non-governmental organisations.

The system, developed at Athalassa park, was unveiled by Huawei in collaboration with the startup Probotek at a “Smart & Green Village” event in Nicosia. The event was focused on technological solutions to rural problems using artificial intelligence and CYTA’s 5G network.

Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Philippos Hadjizacharias told attendees that Huawei’s solution enables an immediate response to fires in semi-mountainous and mountainous areas and aligns with the state’s policy of developing of “smart” cities to improve quality of life for residents.

The fire detection solution was first trialled in 2022 in Athens and has since been tested and improved, as part of a policy thrust towards widespread connectivity and ‘smart’ education in rural areas.

Chief Conservator of Forests, Andreas Christou, for his part, said the initiative shows the high interest of Huawei in protecting the forests in Cyprus.

Vice President of the European branch of Huawei, Radoslaw Kedzia noted that the company will continue its efforts to create initiatives towards addressing environmental and social issues in Cyprus and throughout Europe.

Digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud and 5G are rapidly being integrated and widely applied in various industries, facilitating digital transformation and sustainable socio-economic development with tangible benefits for all, Kedzia said.