The State of the Art in Ground Robotic Complexes for Automatic Fire Suppression: a Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Problem statement. Firefighting is an inherently dangerous profession that exposes human first responders to extreme hazards, including intense heat, toxic gases, and structural collapse, particularly in complex industrial, urban, and wildland-urban interface environments. The physical and physiological vulnerabilities of firefighters present a fundamental limitation to conventional response methods, creating an urgent need for technological solutions that can mitigate life-threatening risks while enhancing operational effectiveness. Purpose. This paper provides a comprehensive and critical review of the state of the art in the development and exploitation of ground robotic complexes (GRCs) for automatic fire suppression. It aims to synthesize the existing body of knowledge, from historical precedents and technological underpinnings to current operational doctrines and future research trajectories. Methodology. A systematic review of the field was conducted, tracing the parallel evolution of unmanned ground vehicles and fire suppression technology. The methodology includes a detailed analysis of the system architecture of modern GRCs (mobility platforms, sensor suites, suppression systems), a review of the software and artificial intelligence (AI) enabling their autonomy, an examination of their application in various domains under the human-robot team doctrine, and a comparative analysis of leading systems through case studies. Findings. The review establishes that GRCs represent a paradigm shift, transforming automatic fire suppression from a static, fixed installation into a dynamic and mobile asset. The development of these systems has been significantly accelerated by catastrophic events that highlighted the limitations of a human-only response. Modern GRCs are characterized by robust, modular designs, advanced sensor fusion for situational awareness in hazardous environments, and increasingly sophisticated AI for navigation and fire source identification. The primary operational doctrine emerging is the human-robot team, where robots handle dangerous tasks, augmenting human capabilities. Originality. This work reframes the discourse on firefighting robotics by positing GRCs as the next evolutionary stage of automatic fire suppression. It moves beyond a simple review of a new tool to a critical analysis of a fundamental shift in fire engineering and emergency response doctrine, emphasizing the concept of a “mobile Automatic Fire Suppression System”. Practical value. The findings demonstrate that GRCs are a proven technology that enhances firefighter safety, enables interventions in previously inaccessible “no-go” zones, and provides incident commanders with superior situational awareness. This leads to safer, faster, and more effective fire suppression outcomes. Scopes of further investigations. Future research trajectories identified include the development of swarm robotics for distributed and resilient operations, the advancement of AI towards greater autonomy within a framework of meaningful human control, and the enhancement of human-robot symbiosis through more intuitive interfaces.