Accountability in Autonomous Drone-Based Firefighting: Insights From a Field Trial

2026-06-16

AI Summary

This study addresses the blurring of responsibility boundaries in human-machine collaboration caused by the integration of autonomous drones into firefighting emergency response, which challenges existing accountability frameworks. Drawing on Bovens’ accountability framework and employing a sociotechnical systems analysis approach, the research conducts qualitative field experiments through two real-world fire drills. It empirically identifies, for the first time, two core accountability dilemmas emerging from embedding autonomous systems within hierarchical emergency structures: role ambiguity and interactional uncertainty. Based on these findings, the study proposes targeted governance recommendations to offer policymakers actionable pathways for fostering responsible human-autonomy collaboration in emergency response contexts.

Abstract

There is a growing research field exploring how autonomous drones can enhance emergency response effectiveness. Integrating these (artificial) agents into existing emergency teams and workflows may significantly impact established accountability relationships. This paper examines how autonomous drones affect accountability attribution within complex socio-technical systems. Drawing on two real-life field trials in firefighting, the study reveals substantial uncertainty around accountability when drones are organizationally deployed. Using Bovens' accountability framework, two challenges are identified: (1) uncertainty about the role of drones within hierarchical structures, leading to confused accountability ascriptions; and (2) new forms of human-drone interactions introducing additional accountability-relevant issues. Based on these insights, the paper proposes actionable recommendations to support the responsible integration of autonomous drones into firefighting operations without undermining accountability. These findings offer practical guidance for policymakers and contribute to further research on accountability in autonomous systems.

Problem

• accountability
• autonomous drones
• emergency response
• human-drone interaction
• socio-technical systems

Innovation

• accountability
• autonomous drones
• human-drone interaction
• socio-technical systems
• field trial