At the forefront of the New York City Fire Department's mission to safeguard the city is a program that blends cutting-edge technology with traditional firefighting methods—the FDNY Robotics Program. During a session at this year’s Energy Drone & Robotics Summit, Mike Leo, head of FDNY's robotics unit, gave an insightful overview of the program's development, its integration into daily operations, and the challenges they face in a city as complex as New York.

Building the Foundation: From Admin to Operations

Leo began by outlining the administrative side of the program, which he described as a less glamorous but critical element in running an efficient unit. The FDNY Robotics Program's organizational chart is lean, with many roles shouldered by just a few individuals. Despite this, the unit has created a solid foundation, covering everything from program administration to airspace coordination with key players like NYPD and New York City Emergency Management.

Training is a vital part of the FDNY Robotics Program’s mission. The program ensures that personnel are well-prepared to handle various emergency situations. The team's focus on research and development allows them to stay ahead of technological advancements, and their involvement in community outreach, including a robotics club in a Brooklyn high school, demonstrates their commitment to education and innovation.

Advanced Tech in Action: Robotics and Drones in Fire Response

One of the highlights of the session was hearing how drones and robots have transformed how FDNY responds to fires and emergencies. From thermal imaging to providing crucial aerial views during multi-alarm fires, these tools have become indispensable. The unit operates around the clock, responding to approximately 1,200 to 1,300 fire incidents annually, along with various inspections and training exercises.

Leo described a crane collapse incident that provided a real-world example of the critical role robotics plays in disaster response. Drones were able to capture critical footage of the collapse, helping the team make informed decisions about evacuations and other responses. This was followed by a case of using a Boston Dynamics robot during a building collapse, which showcased the potential of robots to navigate hazardous environments.

Overcoming Challenges: Urban Flight and Communication Barriers

Operating drones in New York City's dense urban environment comes with significant challenges, particularly in managing flight paths among skyscrapers and dealing with unpredictable wind patterns between buildings. Leo shared anecdotes of flying drones at heights of up to 600 feet, sometimes manually when GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) signals were unreliable.

Communication at high-profile events is another major hurdle. Drones are often flown in chaotic environments where situational awareness is critical. Keeping command staff and city officials away from the drone pilots—who need to focus solely on flying—is crucial for success. Leo recounted a situation where the mayor of New York engaged the pilot during a mission, highlighting the delicate balance the team must maintain.

Expanding the Scope: From Firefighting to Beach Patrols

The FDNY Robotics Program isn't confined to fire incidents. In a unique application, the team was tasked with monitoring sharks off the beaches of New York. While this initially seemed an odd request, drones quickly proved their value by spotting swimmers in distress and identifying rip currents. This evolution of the program shows how adaptable and versatile drone technology can be in protecting citizens beyond traditional firefighting scenarios.

Looking Ahead: Innovations and Future Aspirations

The FDNY Robotics Program is always evolving. Leo expressed enthusiasm for integrating more advanced technologies, such as lidar and synchronized localization and mapping (SLAM) technology. The team is also exploring the use of firefighting robots like Colossus and Thermite, which have already been adopted by other departments, such as Los Angeles.

Additionally, the team envisions smart sensor technology becoming part of New York City's building codes. These sensors would allow real-time data transmission during fires in high-rise buildings, helping FDNY respond more effectively by pinpointing which floors pose the greatest danger.

Robotics as a Game-Changer for Public Safety

In an era where technology is advancing at lightning speed, FDNY’s robotics program is a testament to the power of innovation in public safety. As the program continues to grow, it’s clear that robotics and drones are no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality, saving lives and enhancing the department's ability to protect one of the world's most complex urban environments. FDNY's leadership in this area provides a model for other fire departments across the globe, showcasing how new technologies can revolutionize firefighting and emergency response.

This session at the Energy Drone & Robotics Summit highlighted how far the FDNY Robotics Program has come—and how much potential it still holds for the future.

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