Qwake: AI for Firefighter Visibility

The Challenges of Technology in Firefighting

Deploying new technology in demanding scenarios is rarely as challenging as it is within the realm of firefighting. Intense heat and pervasive smoke can inflict rapid damage on electronic equipment. Furthermore, fires frequently generate interference that disrupts most wireless communication systems, effectively diminishing the utility of software applications.

Despite these obstacles, fundamental advancements in firefighting technology have been relatively limited in recent years.

Introducing C-THRU: Augmented Reality for Firefighters

Qwake Technologies, a San Francisco-based startup, is striving to revolutionize firefighting practices with C-THRU, a hardware-based augmented reality headset. This device, worn by first responders, performs a scan of the surrounding environment and transmits crucial data to a cloud-based platform.

This centralized data access provides all responders and incident commanders with a unified and comprehensive understanding of the situation, aiming to enhance situational awareness, improve firefighter effectiveness, and minimize the risk of injuries and fatalities.

Recent Funding and Strategic Partnerships

Founded in 2015, Qwake Technologies recently secured approximately $5.5 million in funding. According to CEO Sam Cossman, a confidentiality agreement prevents the disclosure of the lead investor.

However, he did state that the investor is a publicly-traded company, and this represents their inaugural investment in a startup venture.

Government Contracts and Product Development

Qwake has experienced success in securing significant government contracts in anticipation of a broader product release planned for late 2021. A $1.4 million contract was awarded by the Department of Homeland Security last year.

Additionally, the company established a partnership with the U.S. Air Force and RSA in April, and also received angel investment and participated in Verizon’s 5G First Responder Lab as a founding member.

The Origins of Qwake Technologies

Qwake’s founder, Sam Cossman, along with John Long, Mike Ralston, and Omer Haciomeroglu, has a long-standing fascination with fires, particularly volcanos. Cossman’s background includes work as an expeditionary videographer and innovator, involving ascents into volcanic calderas.

His work focused on bridging the gap between scientific research, humanitarian aid, and public understanding.

Inspired by a Volcanic Expedition

Cossman’s prior work centered on earth science and volcanology, with a focus on predicting volcanic eruptions and utilizing sensor networks to enhance safety for populations living in volcanic hazard zones.

During an expedition in Nicaragua, his team became disoriented within the smoke of an active volcano, hampered by “thick, dense superheated volcanic gases” that impaired navigation. This experience motivated him to seek technology that could aid in navigating such challenging conditions, leading him to investigate existing solutions for firefighters.

A Vision for Improved Firefighting Technology

Cossman found existing firefighting technology lacking and envisioned creating a superior solution himself. He expressed frustration that those who arguably needed advanced technology the most – firefighters – lacked access to it, despite its feasibility.

He dedicated the subsequent six years to realizing this vision, transforming an idea into a tangible product.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Development

Developing C-THRU necessitated a diverse team with expertise in hardware engineering, neuroscience, firefighting practices, and product design. The initial prototype garnered significant attention from the firefighting community.

Early customer interactions revealed that firefighters prioritized operational clarity over simply receiving more sensor data; they needed systems capable of synthesizing information and providing actionable insights.

The Qwake Solution: Hardware and Software Integration

Qwake ultimately developed a comprehensive solution comprising an IoT device that attaches to a firefighter’s helmet and a tablet-based application. This application processes sensor data and synchronizes information across all teams, with the cloud serving as the central integration point.

The company has already established design partnerships with the fire departments of Menlo Park, California, and Boston.

The new funding will be used to refine the prototype and prepare it for scalable manufacturing, paving the way for a wider public launch later in the year.