UMD students create firefighting drone as part of contest to end destructive wildfires
A team of University of Maryland students is tackling the wildfire crisis with an innovative drone system called Crossfire. Designed for a global competition, their drones use AI and GPS to quickly spot and suppress wildfires before they spread. Instead of relying on massive planes or tons of water, these drones deliver targeted bursts—like water balloons—right where they’re needed, saving resources and acting fast. The project blends engineering and fire science, and the team hopes their tech will help prevent destructive wildfires in the future.