AUSTIN–City Council approved two agreements April 21 with local universities to research the use of drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles, and other robotics in emergency response.

The Austin Fire Department will partner with the University of North Texas and the University of Texas Cockrell School of Engineering to evaluate the effectiveness of drones in responding to disasters such as wildfires, floods, hazard material spills and tornadoes.

Drones may allow service providers to remotely monitor emergency situations and coordinate efforts, according to city documents.