(YouTube Link)
The Fire Spy Robot, developed by the South Korean firm Hoya Robot, can be thrown into a burning building, roll through fire, take pictures, and inform firefighters outside of the conditions inside. In addition to reconnaissance duties, it can tow a water hose and spray the fire:
The little two-wheeled robot can roam through the blaze spraying water from a fire hose and looking for trapped people. Its onboard light and camera helps firefighters pin-point people before they enter the building themselves. The robot also gives them enough information to decide on the safe routes, and quickly develop a rescue plan.
The Firefighters Assistance Robot is a small device resembling a miniature tank and measuring just 12.5 cm in diameter and weighing 2 kg. It can travel at 1 foot per second and withstand a fall of over six feet. It can also survive temperatures as high as 160 C (320 F). The operating time of the robot inside a burning structure is up to 30 minutes.
Link via Popular Science | Company Website
Newest 4 Comments
Hope there aren't any stairs in that burning house - doesn't look like it would handle em too well..
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Sadly, it needs to be able to handle a higher temperature. Paper burns well above 320 degrees F.
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Edward: A very stupid comment. The primary task of a fireman is to enter burning property, possibly smashing through it, in order to rescue people from fire. The second task is to prevent the fire from spreading, which may involve further smashing, or soaking the property in water. Only after those two are done do firefighters worry about preservation of property.
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'Bout Friggin' Time! We need to stop trading fireman's lives for the preservation of property.
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