A final-year Information Technology student of the Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB), Muhammad Inuwa Abdullahi, has developed an autonomous firefighting robot designed to detect and suppress small indoor fires without direct human intervention.

Abdullahi, an indigene of Pantami in Gombe State, developed the robotic system as his final-year project using an Arduino Uno microcontroller platform.

The robot is designed to detect flames, navigate autonomously towards the source of a fire and activate a water pump to suppress it before it spreads.

The project demonstrates the practical application of robotics, embedded systems and automation to fire detection and emergency response.

Abdullahi said the project was inspired by the need to explore how technology could be deployed to protect lives and property through early detection and rapid intervention.

“I built this robot to show how technology can help save lives and property before fire spreads. It’s my contribution to solving real problems in our society,” he said.

According to him, the technology could potentially be adapted for use in homes, schools, offices, hospitals, laboratories, libraries, warehouses and other enclosed facilities where early detection and intervention could help minimise fire-related losses.

The project has attracted attention as an example of practical innovation emerging from Nigerian universities, particularly at a time when there is growing emphasis on developing indigenous technological solutions to local challenges.

The development also highlights the potential of university-based research to produce practical applications in areas such as public safety, automation and emergency response.

NAUB was established during the tenure of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, as part of efforts to strengthen the relationship between military operations, academic research, science, technology and national development.

The university was conceived as an institution capable of producing skilled professionals, promoting research and developing technological solutions to Nigeria’s security and socio-economic challenges.

Abdullahi’s project reflects some of those objectives, particularly in the application of technology to a practical safety challenge.

The firefighting robot could also serve as a foundation for further research into more sophisticated emergency response systems incorporating artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), sensors and smart-building technologies.

As Nigeria continues to promote indigenous research and reduce reliance on imported technologies, the project underscores the capacity of young Nigerian innovators to develop technology-based responses to everyday challenges.

Abdullahi expressed hope that his project would encourage other young Nigerians to pursue research, innovation and technology-driven solutions that could contribute to community development and national progress. (Saturday Vanguard)

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