Heat-proof 'FireDrone' uses aerogel armor to withstand 392°F infernos

The FireDrone, developed by Swiss researchers at Empa and refined by a spin-off from EPFL, is an innovative drone designed to operate safely inside burning buildings with temperatures up to 392°F (200°C). Its key advancement is a one-piece protective shell made from high-temperature polyimide aerogel, which provides exceptional thermal insulation while maintaining mechanical flexibility and durability. This aerogel armor encases the drone’s sensitive electronics, allowing it to withstand extreme heat that would typically deform conventional drones and cause electronic failures at around 104°F (40°C). The drone also incorporates active internal temperature management to continuously cool and monitor its systems during flight. Equipped with an infrared camera, the FireDrone transmits live thermal images to firefighters outside hazardous zones, enabling incident commanders to assess dangerous environments before sending personnel inside. It can also be fitted with additional sensors to detect gases or measure external temperatures. Designed specifically for indoor use in environments where GPS is unavailable—such as buildings, tunnels, and industrial facilities—the