The Digitalisation of Firefighting: The Rise of Unmanned Technologies in Firefighting

This study is a compilation examining the transformation of firefighting technologies from their historical development to today's artificial intelligence-supported, autonomous and unmanned systems from the perspective of the disaster management cycle. The research systematically discusses the areas of application for unmanned land, air and sea vehicles in the prevention, preparedness, response and recovery phases. Thermal camera-equipped unmanned aerial vehicles, land and humanoid robots, sea-based platforms, and unmanned helicopters are classified in terms of their technical characteristics, functions, and application scenarios. Methodologically, the Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink databases were searched between 2010 and 2024; peer-reviewed articles, international conference proceedings, and academic book chapters were selected as primary sources. Technical reports and industry data were also used as supporting material. This approach ensured a comprehensive assessment of technological evolution through both scientific literature and industrial applications. Global market analyses reveal that firefighting vehicles and robots are showing a steady growth trend. Europe leads the vehicle market, while North America leads the robot market. The superiority of palletised robots in challenging terrains and the growth potential of the industrial segment are particularly noteworthy. The study emphasises that technological transformation is not merely a technical process, but also necessitates the renewal of safety standards, the establishment of international norms, the widespread implementation of training programmes, and the development of sustainable financing models. In conclusion, this compilation offers a unique contribution that examines the historical development and modernisation processes of firefighting technologies in the context of unmanned systems. It provides a guiding framework for future research with policy recommendations for both academic literature and practical application.