‘Communication Helmet’ Developed For Firefighters
‘Communication Helmet’ Developed For Firefighters
  • Reporter Lee Mi-yeon
  • 승인 2018.05.10 10:22
  • 댓글 0
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▲Prof. Hong Won-bin
▲Prof. Hong Won-bin

On Dec. 21, 2017, there was a huge fire in Jecheon’s Sports Center. The fire, which took 29 people’s lives, was reported to have caused more damage as the aging radios did not work properly at the scene of the accident, diminishing further opportunities to rescue victims. In fires and disasters, radios play a major role in reducing casualties. As it is not easy to survey a situation directly due to the smoke and noise at a scene, radio plays an important role for firefighters. At present radios can not be used effectively while fighting a fire, and when they are used, they are difficult and cumbersome to use with earphones attached.

To solve these problems, Professor Hong Won-bin (EEE) and his research team, along with Pohang Southern Fire Station, developed an all-in-one wireless fire helmet with antennas and radios inserted inside it. Wearing the helmet for safety reasons, rescue workers can perform their operations and make requests directly through the built-in antennas and speakers. It is designed to enable wireless communication without the need to operate them separately. In particular, the antenna and speakers are made of small, removable modules to minimize weight and can be washed in water; raising effectiveness for practical work. It is also notable that the laboratory has utilized its research results to a technology to protect the safety of people along with government offices. Prof. Hong said, “I feel rewarded by developing a technology that make firefighters safely carry out a rescue operation using various ultra-small wireless communication technology.”