Robotic dogs are among the tactics researchers in Bradford are testing to assess how artificial intelligence can help predict and tackle wildfires,  El.kz reports citing BBC.

A team at the University of Bradford plans to use data gathered by the four-legged androids along with drones and 6G connectivity to spot the first signs of smoke and send alerts to emergency teams.

The team will run a pilot test in Greece next year as part of the 6G-VERSUS research project, an EU-funded initiative conducting 6G technology trials.

Dr Kamran Mahroof, from the team, said: "Wildfires are a global phenomenon and have been increasing in frequency and intensity in recent years.

"We are immensely proud to be at the forefront of research addressing this pressing global challenge."

The research, which gained funding earlier this year from the European Union's Horizon Innovation Action programme, was showcased at an event in Birmingham exploring how AI can help solve global challenges.

The fire service said it also used mapping tools and weather forecasting applications to help predict fire behaviour, with new lightweight wildfire personal protective equipment introduced to aid firefighters during prolonged operations.

Dr Mahroof added: "The whole idea for us is to identify wildfires as soon as possible.

"We are using the latest technologies out there - the likes of 6G, drones and, dare I say it, robotic dogs to identify where the likelihood is for a fire to take place and for us to mitigate this as soon as possible."