At Intersec 2024 in Dubai, a remarkable display of remote-controlled electric robotic firefighters took center stage. While these robotic fire responders resemble tanks and armored personnel carriers, their purpose is far from warfare. These cutting-edge robots are designed to assist human firefighters in tackling dangerous blazes in scenarios too hazardous for human intervention.
Their mission is to enter burning buildings where human survival is at risk, operate in environments with toxic smoke levels unsafe for humans, lift heavy objects, and even serve as a platform to transport injured individuals to safety. Although firefighting robots have not yet been deployed to extinguish actual fires in the region, local distributors, including Dubai-based fire protection systems supplier NAFFCO and Chinese distributors, showcased their advanced robotic firefighting technology at Intersec 2024.
These mechanized fire responders have the potential to save the lives of firefighters by replacing them in high-risk situations. Instead of endangering human rescuers, these robots can be deployed to handle fires in places such as petrochemical plants, large warehouses, buildings, and areas with extreme temperatures and intense thermal radiation. The robots are equipped with cameras and can be remotely controlled by trained personnel, boasting tank-like treads to navigate treacherous terrain. Their front nozzles can discharge either water or foam to combat fires.
According to Adam Cui, sales manager of Shandong GuoXing Intelligent Technology, these firefighting robots are capable of withstanding collapsed walls and hazardous contamination areas. While they are currently remote-controlled, researchers are developing “intelligent” firefighting robots that can make autonomous decisions in firefighting scenarios.
Here are two noteworthy firefighting robots featured at Intersec 2024:
NAFFCO NFR-500:
- Can spray water or foam at rates ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 liters per minute.
- Chassis crafted from aeronautical aluminum.
- Capable of obstacle clearance up to 30 cm, slopes up to 40°, and side slopes up to 35°.
- Pulling capacity of 1 ton and a payload of 500 kg.
- Dimensions: 76 cm in height, 78 cm in width, and 1.60 m in length.
- Equipped with two electric engines (4,000W each) powered by lithium-ion batteries.
- Operates for 12 hours.
- Speed: 5 km/h.
- Features a thermal camera with a video turret zoom (x30), GPS, temperature sensors, and an integrated inertial unit.
- Batteries housed in an anti-explosion box.
- Priced at less than Dh1 million.
Guoxing Mini-Fire Extinguishing Robot:
- Dimensions: 1,700 x 1,000 x 1,300 mm.
- Self-weight less than 900 kg.
- Maximum obstacle clearance of 200 mm.
- Equipped with an explosion-proof battery.
- Remote control function with a range of up to 40 meters.
- Operating time exceeds 2 hours.
- Features obstacle avoidance functionality.
- Sprinkler system for self-cooling.
These innovative robotic firefighters represent a significant advancement in firefighting technology, offering enhanced safety and efficiency in battling blazes under the most challenging conditions.
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