Philip Onuche’s IoT Firefighting Robot Offers New Answer to Fire Disasters

By Tosin Clegg

In a landmark advancement for disaster response technology, an IoT-based Smart Firefighting Robot co-developed by renowned Nigerian innovator Philip Ugbede Ojo Onuche in collaboration with other innovators namely: Paul O. Onuche (a Software Engineer), Ezekiel Tosin Babatunde (an environmental scientist), Ugochukwu Okonkwo (a geospatial-AI expert), and Dr. James Garba Ambafi (an electrical engineer) has been deployed for national fire disaster response.

Mr. Philip Ugbede Ojo Onuche recently received royal fellowship recognition and was conferred the FRIOASD title following this novel innovation and three others on an antibacterial composite, a wastewater treatment and low-carbon cement formulation. Mr. Philip, being a specialist in green and sustainable chemistry materials, applied his expertise in chemical safety, sustainable materials, and reliability management to the development of the firefighting robot. Additionally, drawing on his Quality Assurance/R&D experience at Dangote Cement Plc where he plays a critical role in the A/R&D unit, he integrated eco-friendly fire suppression agents, enhanced energy efficiency of DC pump systems, and established rigorous durability testing protocols. His application of green chemistry principles ensured compliance with international firefighting and environmental safety standards, positioning the robot for deployment in highly regulated markets such as North America and Europe. “Plans are underway to patent and commercialize this invention for use globally and also serve as a reference to researchers as this technology is the first autonomous firefighting robot” said Philip

Designed to tackle fires in hazardous or inaccessible environments, the autonomous robot uses thermal imaging sensors, IoT connectivity, and an intelligent navigation system to detect fire hotspots and deliver extinguishing agents with precision. The robot’s first operational test came during a simulated industrial fire drill in Abuja, where it successfully navigated debris, identified the fire’s origin, and extinguished it- all while transmitting live video and sensor data to its command center.

According to the spokesman for the Emergency Management Agency:

“This innovation enhances our capacity to respond to emergencies while keeping first responders out of harm’s way. It is a locally developed solution to a global challenge, and we are proud to integrate it into our national emergency toolkit.”

The IoT firefighting robot has since been deployed in high-risk zones, including Lagos port facilities and oil depots, where rapid and safe intervention is critical. Internal reports indicate the technology has reduced average firefighting response time in test scenarios by 30% and significantly lowered personnel exposure to dangerous environments.

International disaster management experts have expressed interest in adapting the system for broader African Union emergency response programs, marking a significant step towards regional technology leadership in disaster resilience.