Fire prevention and environmental monitoring with autonomous robots MOLIRIS
Autonomous robots for continuous monitoring
and risk prevention
in complex sites and infrastructures
From periodic inspections to continuous risk monitoring
Activities subject to fire prevention regulations, as defined by Italian Presidential Decree D.P.R. 151/2011, require continuous control of safety conditions and ongoing compliance with Fire Prevention Certificate (CPI) requirements.
In practice, however, risk monitoring is still often based on periodic inspections and static systems, which do not provide a continuous view of the actual condition of assets and facilities.
Traditional systems also only monitor fixed points where sensors are installed, leaving areas uncovered and making it more difficult to verify reported anomalies on site.
MOLIRIS introduces a prevention model based on continuous monitoring, autonomous patrol and objective data collection, enabling:
- monitoring of the entire environment, not just fixed points
- automatic on-site verification in case of alarms or alerts
- early detection of anomalies in the pre-fire phase
supporting HSE managers and company leadership in the proactive management of fire and explosion risks
The system is applicable across industrial, logistics, infrastructure and healthcare environments, wherever continuous monitoring of risk conditions is required.
In this video, the operation of MOLIRIS is illustrated, including its use for continuous monitoring and early detection of fire risk conditions.
Critical limitations of traditional fire prevention
In environments subject to fire prevention requirements, risk control is often based on a combination of periodic inspections, fixed detection systems and reactive interventions.
While compliant with regulatory requirements, this approach presents several operational limitations:
- Lack of continuous monitoring
Inspections are carried out at predefined intervals, without a real-time view of asset conditions. - Limited coverage to sensor locations
Fixed systems detect critical conditions only where sensors are installed, leaving parts of the environment unmonitored. - Delayed on-site verification
In case of alarms, personnel intervention is often required to assess the situation. - Exposure of personnel to hazardous environments
Inspections may take place in areas with gas presence, high temperatures or dangerous conditions. - Predominantly reactive approach
Intervention occurs after thresholds are exceeded or events are detected, limiting early prevention.
For HSE managers and company leadership, these limitations reduce the ability to maintain continuous risk control and effective prevention of incidents.
The MOLIRIS solution
Continuous monitoring and autonomous on-site verification
MOLIRIS introduces an advanced approach to fire prevention based on autonomous patrol and continuous environmental monitoring.
The system operates independently, without requiring infrastructure modifications, integrating advanced sensors for detecting environmental, thermal and chemical parameters.
It also enables visualisation and analysis of collected data, including video streams and thermal images, supporting immediate assessment of on-site conditions.
Compared to traditional systems, MOLIRIS enables:
- Full-area monitoring
The robot covers the entire operational environment, not just fixed points. - Automatic on-site verification
In case of alarms, the robot can be deployed automatically or manually to collect data and images. - Continuous operation
24/7 monitoring with traceable and consistent data collection. - Reduced personnel exposure
Hazardous inspections can be carried out remotely. - Pre-fire intervention capability
Thermal and gas detection enable early anomaly identification.
MOLIRIS does not replace existing safety measures, but enhances them by introducing a continuous level of control.
MOLIRIS monitoring interface with site map and thermal imaging for hotspot and anomaly detection in industrial environments.
Thermography for fire prevention
Early detection of thermal anomalies and hotspots
Thermography is one of the most effective technologies for fire prevention, enabling early and non-invasive detection of thermal anomalies.
Infrared thermography is a diagnostic technique used to identify abnormal overheating and hotspots before they develop into fire incidents.
In industrial environments, it enables detection of:
- Faulty electrical connections
- Overloads in electrical panels and live systems
- Overheating in motors, pumps and mechanical components
- Anomalies in photovoltaic systems
- Hidden hotspots not visible to the naked eye
By integrating advanced thermographic systems such as Thermospot® by InfraService, MOLIRIS automates inspection activities, making them continuous, repeatable and fully documented over time.
Compared to manual inspections, the system enables:
- frequent checks on operating systems
- temperature trend analysis over time
- early anomaly detection
- reduction of failures and electrically induced fires
Thermography also supports predictive maintenance and is often used for compliance and Fire Prevention Certificate (CPI) renewal.
Example of thermographic detection of overheating and anomalies not visible to the naked eye.
Gas detection
Monitoring concentrations and managing risk
Gas detection is a key component of fire prevention, particularly in environments where flammable, toxic or asphyxiating substances may be present.
The objective is to detect leaks or accumulations before concentrations reach the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL).
MOLIRIS integrates multi-parameter (pentagas) sensors for continuous monitoring of:
- Oxygen (O₂)
- Flammable gases (LEL)
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
- Hydrogen sulphide (H₂S)
- Volatile organic compounds (VOC) or specific gases
The system can integrate advanced solutions such as Ventis Pro 5 sensors by Industrial Scientific, modular pentagas devices that allow flexible configuration of probes for different airborne substances depending on the application.
The system operates in the pre-fire phase, detecting critical conditions early and enabling timely risk management.
Gas detection helps identify potentially hazardous atmospheres, supporting continuous monitoring of operational conditions.
The system can be deployed in non-classified areas or near hazardous zones, reducing the need for direct personnel exposure.
Compared to fixed systems, the robot enables:
- extended monitoring beyond sensorised areas
- measurements near potential risk sources
- on-site verification of alarms
- safer operation in hazardous environments
Gas detection supports both fire prevention and chemical risk management, improving overall safety and documentation.
Industrial Scientific Ventis Pro 5 multi-gas detector for monitoring airborne substances.
Alarm thresholds
- Low (pre-alarm): exceeding the attention threshold
- High (alarm): dangerous concentration requiring intervention
- STEL (Short Term Exposure Limit): average exposure over 15 minutes
- TWA (Time Weighted Average): average exposure over
What MOLIRIS does
Monitoring, verification and prevention support
MOLIRIS supports multiple operating modes, adapting to the environmental monitoring and fire prevention needs of industrial and infrastructure sites.
The system enables the integration of continuous monitoring with targeted on-site inspections, improving the management of risk conditions.
- Scheduled autonomous patrols
Automated patrols along predefined routes for continuous monitoring of assets, critical areas and environmental conditions. - Event- or alarm-triggered intervention
The robot can be deployed automatically or manually to areas where anomalies are detected (e.g. threshold exceedance, thermal alerts or gas presence), enabling direct on-site verification. - Environmental monitoring and data collection
Continuous acquisition of thermal and chemical parameters along patrol routes, with fully traceable data over time. - Integration with existing systems
Transmission of data, images and alerts to supervision systems and control centres, supporting coordinated operations. - Visual and thermal inspection of operating conditions
Support for anomaly assessment through visible and thermal imaging, enabling rapid understanding of on-site conditions.
MOLIRIS complements existing prevention measures by providing an operational tool that enhances monitoring continuity and improves the quality and reliability of available data.
MOLIRIS complements existing prevention measures by providing an operational tool that enhances monitoring continuity and improves the quality and reliability of available data.
Benefits for HSE Managers and Company Management
Continuous control, risk reduction and decision support
The introduction of an autonomous monitoring system strengthens fire prevention strategies, improving control quality and response times.
For Health & Safety Managers (HSE / RSPP equivalent)
- Continuous monitoring of risk conditions
Greater visibility compared to periodic inspections or sample-based checks. - Support for fire and chemical risk assessment
Availability of objective, historical data for analysis and updates. - Reduced personnel exposure
Less need for direct access to potentially hazardous areas. - Traceability of inspection activities
Data, images and measurements available for audits, internal checks and compliance.
For Company Management
- Reduced risk of plant downtime
Early detection of anomalies that may evolve into failures or fire incidents. - Operational continuity
Continuous monitoring even in the absence of on-site personnel. - Support for operational and maintenance decisions
Access to up-to-date, objective information on asset conditions. - Improved risk management
Strengthened prevention measures and better control of operating conditions. Fire prevention directly impacts operational continuity and reduces economic risk related to downtime and structural damage.
MOLIRIS enables industrial fire prevention to evolve from periodic inspections into a continuous monitoring and risk management process, integrating with existing practices and significantly improving their effectiveness.
Multiple Autonomous Robot Models for Every Operational Scenario
MOLIRIS is available on a range of autonomous robots designed to adapt to different operational environments, from indoor spaces to complex outdoor areas.
