Automating Fire Safety

Industrial engineering Assistant Professor Chen Kan and his team are working with Utilities Service Alliance to develop and test a smart automated cart that could replace humans who conduct fire hazard safety checks in nuclear power facilities.

When primary fire-sensing systems fail or are under maintenance, human operators must inspect each room in a nuclear plant every hour around the clock to ensure all potential fire hazards are identified. Dr. Kan's FireWatch smart carts will contain state-of-the-art sensing, computing, and communication devices that could make the process more efficient and safe.

"Pilot testing will allow us to refine the cart and enhance its usability and effectiveness, paving the way for practical implementation and potential future scalability," he says. ₪