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Actually, that 17% doesn't mean that robots will replace firefighters -- it just means there will be 17% less need for human firefighters. This could take a nu
by derekp7 12y ago
Actually, that 17% doesn't mean that robots will replace firefighters -- it just means there will be 17% less need for human firefighters. This could take a number of forms -- we've already seen some of them, such as better electrical codes that have reduced the number of electrical fires.
Another recent trend is residential sprinkler systems. Now imagine a smart sprinkler, with thermal imaging cameras that can pinpoint the source of a fire before it spreads. Then activate a directed jet spray to that source, and you have a whole building fire that has been avoided.
Or, lets say if 17% of fires are caused by space heaters. What if the heaters were equipped with a thermal imaging sensor, so that it cuts power to itself if an object in front of it gets too close to ignition temperature?
- JshWright 12y agoHmm... upon closer reading, I see the charts says that there is a 17% chance that there will be some degree of job losses due to computerization. I think that's a more reasonable thesis (though not for the reasons you mention). Fire prevention will only take you so far. You still need to be able to deal with the inevitable fires that still occur, and you need to have the capacity to deal with them 24/7/365. You can only reduce staffing so much and still have the ability to put a single structure fire out, and many departments are at that point already. I do see a potential for job losses due to augmentation technologies (exoskeltons, etc) that will enable one firefighter to do tasks that previously took two, etc...