The Fire Extinguishing Vehicle project focused on the design, fabrication, and testing of a remotely operated ground vehicle capable of extinguishing small fires. The vehicle integrated a gear-reduction drivetrain, steering system, water storage and pressure vessel, and a turret system for precise water deployment. For environmental sustainability, much of the chassis and components were fabricated using wood and recycled plastic bottles. The turret was designed with both horizontal and vertical degrees of freedom to accurately aim water at targets, with a laser alignment system added to enhance precision.
Introduction
Fire hazards pose significant risks in both domestic and industrial environments, and the ability to remotely suppress fires enhances operator safety while minimizing damage. This project aimed to design and build a small-scale fire extinguishing vehicle as a prototype for remotely operated firefighting robots. Emphasis was placed on creating an environmentally friendly platform by using recycled and sustainable materials, while also incorporating key subsystems such as drivetrain, steering, pressure storage, and a targeting turret. The final system showcased not only fire suppression capability but also robust mechanical design and precision targeting.
Drivetrain and Steering System
The vehicle was powered by an electric motor connected to a gear-reduction drivetrain. The gear reduction allowed for greater torque, enabling the vehicle to move smoothly while carrying the additional load of the water storage system. This ensured reliable mobility over flat and slightly uneven terrain.
A custom steering system was developed to provide maneuverability. The steering mechanism was fabricated from wood and mechanical linkages, designed to balance simplicity with reliability. Testing confirmed that the vehicle could be steered accurately toward fire targets, allowing the water turret to be positioned effectively.
Water Storage and Pressure Vessel
The firefighting function relied on a water storage and pressurization system. A recycled plastic bottle was repurposed into a pressure vessel, reducing environmental impact while demonstrating the potential of sustainable prototyping. The vessel was designed to safely store and release pressurized water for fire suppression. A wooden framework was fabricated to securely hold the bottle in place during operation.
The system was capable of holding sufficient water for small fire tests, with pressure generated to allow consistent spraying. The integration of storage and pressurization systems provided a reliable water supply to the turret.
Turret System and Targeting
The most distinctive feature of the vehicle was its turret system, designed for precise water deployment.
The turret was capable of horizontal (left–right) rotation and vertical (up–down) movement, enabling the operator to target fires at different angles and elevations.
A laser module was mounted on the turret to serve as a targeting aid. The laser beam provided visual alignment with the intended target, ensuring accurate water application. This feature significantly improved aiming precision, especially during remote operation.
Fabrication and Materials
A key design principle of this project was the use of sustainable materials. The chassis and structural elements were fabricated from wood, while recycled bottles were repurposed as pressure vessels and water storage. This approach not only reduced costs but also highlighted the importance of environmentally conscious engineering. The fabrication process included woodworking, simple machining, and assembly of linkages, demonstrating practical use of readily available resources.
Results and Discussion
The fire extinguishing vehicle successfully integrated mobility, water storage, and precise targeting systems into a functional prototype. The drivetrain provided sufficient torque for movement, and the steering system allowed controlled navigation. The pressurized water system performed effectively in extinguishing small controlled fires during testing. The turret, combined with the laser targeting system, allowed for accurate aiming, minimizing water wastage and improving effectiveness.
Limitations observed included limited water storage capacity, short operating duration due to bottle pressurization limits, and challenges in aiming at distant targets. However, these can be addressed in future iterations by scaling the design, integrating stronger materials, and employing automated control systems.
Conclusion
The Remotely Operated Fire Extinguishing Vehicle project demonstrated a functional and environmentally friendly prototype capable of suppressing small fires. By combining gear-reduction drivetrain, steering system, pressurized water storage, turret-based targeting, and laser alignment, the project achieved its primary objectives. The use of wood and recycled bottles reinforced the commitment to sustainable design. Future improvements could involve higher-capacity storage, automated targeting, and integration of heat sensors for autonomous fire detection, extending its application for industrial and emergency response scenarios.