Hyundai Motor Group has donated four autonomous firefighting robots to support firefighters in dangerous environments.
During a donation event on the 24th at the Namyangju Special Rescue Team in Gyeonggi Province, Fire Chief Kim Dong-joo expressed his hopes that the newly donated autonomous firefighting robots would be invaluable in situations such as fires in underground tunnels and large factories where visibility is limited due to high temperatures and toxic gases. Hyundai Motor Group, in collaboration with the Fire Department, officially donated four remote firefighting robots, two of which have already been deployed in the field, assisting firefighters safely during emergencies. The remaining two robots are scheduled to be deployed in early next month to fire departments in southern Gyeonggi and Chungcheongnam-do.
These autonomous firefighting robots are built on the Hyundai Rotem's electric multi-purpose unmanned vehicle 'HR-Sherpa', which has been modified to withstand extreme heat, up to 500 to 800 degrees Celsius. The remote-controlled vehicles are designed to operate in challenging environments where human firefighters may face significant risks. Hyundai's robot symbolizes a significant advancement not just as a tool for fire prevention, but as an embodiment of the company's core technology in physical artificial intelligence aimed at saving lives. CEO Euisun Chung stated that the autonomous firefighting robot represents a new form of mobility that encapsulates Hyundai's commitment to technology that saves lives.
After the donation ceremony, a demonstration showcased the robot's capabilities, highlighting its ability to rotate in place and extinguish fires using various jets of water while moving. Equipped with a remote control, the robot demonstrated its operational prowess by delivering streams of water up to 50 meters towards a practice building, illustrating its vital role in firefighting operations. This state-of-the-art technology could significantly enhance the efficiency and safety of firefighting efforts in hazardous conditions, ensuring that emergency responders can work more safely and effectively in the future.
