An AI-powered drone designed to accelerate wildfire detection and monitoring is unveiled in Germany.

​In Eberswalde, Germany, Dryad Networks has unveiled the Silvaguard drone, an AI-powered device designed to enhance the detection, localization, and monitoring of wildfires. This development comes as climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of wildfires globally.

The Silvaguard drone integrates with Dryad's existing Silvanet system, which employs solar-powered gas sensors attached to trees to detect wildfires during their smoldering phase. Each sensor covers an area approximately the size of a football field. Upon detecting potential fire activity, Silvanet activates the nearest Silvaguard drone to fly autonomously to the site, capturing and transmitting detailed infrared and optical imagery.

Carsten Brinkschulte, CEO and co-founder of Dryad Networks, emphasized the importance of rapid response to wildfires: "When it comes to wildfires, time is of the essence; you cannot be fast enough." He highlighted that the combination of Silvanet's sensors and the Silvaguard drone enables firefighters to receive critical information swiftly, including geographic coordinates and real-time visual data, facilitating more effective deployment of resources.

The company is currently awaiting regulatory approval for the commercial deployment of the Silvaguard drone. Once authorized, this technology is expected to significantly enhance wildfire management strategies, providing early warnings and detailed situational awareness to firefighting teams.

Dryad Networks' initiative reflects a broader trend in leveraging advanced technologies, such as drones equipped with AI and sophisticated sensors, to address environmental challenges. These innovations aim to improve the speed and accuracy of wildfire detection, ultimately mitigating damage and enhancing public safety. ​

As wildfires continue to pose significant threats worldwide, the integration of AI-driven drones like Silvaguard into existing detection systems offers a promising avenue for bolstering early warning capabilities and response effectiveness.​

Sources:

• https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/03/28/world/americas-emea/an-ai-based-drone-that-speeds-up-the-detection-and-monitoring-of-wildfires-is-presented-in-germany/2082071 
• https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory/ai-based-drone-speeds-detection-monitoring-wildfires-presented-120248162 
• https://www.standard-journal.com/ap/business/article_58271f01-6338-5d8d-8019-04cb67106cdf.html