SUNNYVALE, Calif. – At Sunnyvale’s annual Tech Business Expo, public safety officers demonstrated the latest technology being deployed to protect both residents and first responders. From rapid-deploy drones to specialized robots, these tools are transforming emergency response in the heart of Silicon Valley.
“[The drone] can detect heat sources with infrared, which helps us see where the fire is inside under the smoke,” explained drone supervisor, Lieutenant Mark Jorgensen, while showcasing one of the department’s four drones at the October 3 expo. “It provides real time information without us having to necessarily be so close to the incident.”
The drones, three of which are designated for outdoor use, have become a cost-effective alternative to helicopter deployment. “They can be deployed quickly in less than a minute,” Jorgensen said.
Since launching their drone program in 2019, the devices have assisted with searching for missing persons, documenting crime scenes, investigating fires, and supporting high-risk operations with barricaded suspects, according to the city’s drone activity log.Â
City of Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety officer, Sean Reis, with a Robotex Avatar Tactical robot and a throwbot at the Tech Business Expo on Oct. 3, 2024 in Sunnyvale, CA. (Peninsula Press/Audrey Widodo)
Public Safety Officer Sean Reis demonstrated the department’s ground-based technology, including the Robotex Avatar Tactical robot equipped with real-time camera systems. “This robot can get some height, so we can see inside without having to put ourselves in a dangerous situation,” Reis stated. “We can communicate with the suspect, or anybody who is having any sort of crisis.”
For tight spaces like attics or basements, the department employs compact “throw bots” which is a remote-controlled devices with cameras that can be tossed into confined areas to gather information before any personnel enter.
Fire Safety Officer Timothy Foley highlighted how technology helps ensure public safety during emergency responses. His team uses specialized equipment to detect hazards, including natural gas and carbon monoxide monitors. “These tools allow us to confirm whether there is a problem or if everything is fine,” he explained.
As emergency responses evolve in Sunnyvale, with medical calls now comprising nearly 80 percent of their activity, these technological tools are helping first responders adapt to changing community needs while maintaining safety for all involved.
