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XR for Firefighters

  • Writer: Olga Resnik
    Olga Resnik
  • Sep 10
  • 3 min read

In my previous posts, I explored how XR can enhance various applications, mainly in the consumer space. While these use cases provide real value, today, I’m shifting focus to a more complex, high-stakes professional application—one where advanced features are not just optional but essential.

In critical fields like firefighting, situational awareness in extreme environments is key. Navigating smoke-filled spaces, identifying hazards, and locating people require more advanced system engineering and feature integration than consumer applications.

So, what features does an XR for Firefighters system need to aid and assist in this complicated mission?


Let’s dive in the XR Feature Analysis.


Use Case#4: Firefighter Tracking & Search in a Burning Building 


🟩       XR for Firefighters Key Features


  • Display (Feature#1): Visual instructions and data are the most effective for cognitive perception, making a display feature essential in the emergency situations.

  • AR Overlay (Feature#5): A transparent AR overlay needed to provide critical data without obstructing the scene. The situational awareness is super critical in this application, so it must be elevated with additional AR overlayed data.

  • Data storage (Feature#6): Video recording for real-time processing and post-mission debriefing is essential.

  • Smart Vision (Feature#7): AI-powered video processing for objects recognition to identify obstacles, exits, and people is needed to provide the mission critical data.

  • Super Vision (Feature#8): Multi-spectral imaging (infrared, thermal) is also a very powerful vision enhancement in smoke-filled environments.

  • User Input (Feature#11): Voice control & cognitive state monitor via eye tracking can significantly reduce load and increase the safety of firefighters during the mission.


🟨       Trade-Offs & Optional Enhancements


Some decisions involve trade-offs and the design choices that can set up the optimal basic functionality point.


  • 3DoF (Feature#9): Use 3Dof tracking to keep the projected data including object markers steady during head movements, or

    6DoF (Feature#10): Upgrade to 6DoF full spatial tracking for complete orientation inside buildings as an optional enhancement of user experience.

    System Output (Feature#12): Alternative or additional system-user communication such as audio cues or haptic feedback, can improve situational awareness.



🟡 Optional Enhancements & Product Evolution


Beyond the required features, even in this case when the base features list is very extensive, there is a room for additional upgrades or optional enhancements.


  • Multi-User Interaction (Feature#13): This feature can take the solution from a system for one user approach to a team-work platform where the team mission can be coordinated and the data can be shared between the multiple users and a commanding station. This can further improve the mission efficiency and upgrade the functionality.


So many required features: Why?


This use case is a very good example of a field of application where XR’s true potential shines—solving high-complexity challenges where precision, safety, and mission success are at stake.

When the use case environment is so complex and human lives are at stake – any additional data that can help mission to succeed needs to be used.

So, after we map all the required features it’s evident that a dedicated design and system development is required and there are no shortcuts here. This mapping in the beginning of design stage helps to set system architecture and development strategy for this unique product.


XR Platform Design Partner


JOYA Team helps companies design tailor-made products especially in cases like this one, where there is no existing hardware platform for this specific use case may.

The entry level to develop this product is much higher than the consumer XR application where the existing hardware products can be used.

Here we help you take a leap, focus the design efforts, bring our vast experience to your services and can help you minimize the design budget and timeline.


Find out more about our experience in the AR Design field.


Contact us to learn more and develop your XR application together.



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