New GPS Tracking System Debuts: DropBlock from RoGO Communications, Designed for Wildland Firefighters
RoGO's DropBlock 2.0 Transforms Wildfire Response
RoGO Communications, a company dedicated to creating lifesaving technology for firefighters and first responders, has unveiled its latest innovation: DropBlock 2.0. This advanced wildfire response device is designed to enhance situational awareness and safety for those battling wildfires.
- Enhanced IoT Sensor Data Integration
DropBlock 2.0 is equipped with a suite of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors that monitor critical environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, smoke levels, wind speed, and gas concentrations. This real-time data offers detailed, localized insight into fire conditions.
- Improved Data Transmission and Network Resilience
The device leverages robust communication protocols to ensure reliable data transfer even in challenging wildfire environments where cellular coverage may be limited or disrupted. It is designed to form mesh networks, enabling devices to relay information to increase coverage and redundancy.
- Rapid Deployment and Mobility
DropBlock 2.0 can be quickly deployed via air drop into wildfire zones or manually placed by personnel on the ground. Its rugged design and portable form factor make it suitable for various terrains and harsh environmental conditions.
- Real-time Situational Awareness and Decision Support
Firefighters and incident commanders receive timely updates from the sensor network, improving their understanding of fire behavior and environmental hazards. This data assists in making informed decisions regarding firefighting strategies, resource allocation, and evacuation procedures.
- Safety Benefits for Firefighters and First Responders
By providing early detection of dangerous conditions such as sudden changes in wind direction or increases in hazardous gas levels, DropBlock 2.0 enhances responder safety. It helps reduce the risk of entrapment and improves operational efficiency, potentially saving lives and minimizing property damage.
- Integration with Command and Control Systems
The data gathered by DropBlock 2.0 can be integrated into existing firefighting software platforms, GIS mapping tools, and emergency management systems, enabling seamless coordination among different teams and agencies.
The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management field-tested DropBlocks with six wildland fire handcrews, and the company's founders, Rod Goossen and his brother Derek, who have experience fighting over 100 wildfires, suggested the smaller size of DropBlocks and added point-to-point data communications.
In addition to the DropBlocks, RoGO is developing a new smartphone app that will complement the device by sharing location and weather data. The company's satellite-based products and services operate anywhere in the world, supporting local, state, and federal agencies in the Western United States for firefighting and field trials.
Rod Goossen, the CEO of RoGO, stated that the reduced size and weight of the new DropBlocks enable immediate deployment to support the initial attack of a wildfire. Examples of resources being tracked include bulldozers, water tenders, fire engines, high-value structures, medical evacuation rescue, and makeshift water resources.
DropBlocks 2.0 represents a significant technological advancement in wildfire response tools, combining rugged, rapidly deployable hardware with sophisticated IoT sensors and resilient communication networks to improve safety and effectiveness for firefighters and first responders.
- Development of a Smartphone App RoGO is developing a new smartphone app that will complement the DropBlock 2.0 by sharing location and weather data, supporting improving situational awareness for firefighters and first responders.
- Global Applications of RoGO's Technology The satellite-based products and services operated by RoGO can support local, state, and federal agencies anywhere in the world, not just the Western United States, for firefighting and field trials.
- Immediate Deployment and Resource Tracking With a reduced size and weight, the new DropBlocks enable immediate deployment to support the initial attack of a wildfire, tracking resources such as bulldozers, water tenders, fire engines, high-value structures, medical evacuation rescue, and makeshift water resources.
- Technology Crossover DropBlock 2.0's real-time data integration from various IoT sensors offers insight not only for wildfire conditions but also for other environmental factors like weather, which can have implications for sports, such as racing, favoring technology advancements and enhanced decision-making.
