The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine announced the commissioning of the first domestic robotic firefighting complex in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). This innovative robot is the first example of the integration of robotics into the field of firefighting and emergency response in Ukraine.
As reported, the robotic firefighting complex is a mobile tracked platform with special equipment for supplying pressurized water or special foam to extinguish flames. Using a remote control, the operator directs the robot from a safe location to the epicenter of the fire.
It is noted that the flow of liquid supplied to the combustion source can be adjusted remotely.
The firefighter robot operates at a distance of up to 2 km from the operator in open terrain and up to 400 m in rough terrain. The operator receives images from the dangerous area where the fire is being extinguished from an objective control video camera installed on the platform.
As reported by the Ministry of Defense, the ground robotic complex was initially developed for the needs of rescuers, but the military became interested in the machine.
Such a robot is needed, for example, in areas where there are unexploded ordnance, when approaching burning equipment and where there is a risk of detonation of ammunition, as well as in other potentially dangerous cases associated with a risk to the life and health of servicemen. At the request of the military, this robotic platform has received a reinforced chassis. The control range and battery life have also been increased.
Thanks to its tracked chassis, this firefighter robot can overcome difficult terrain, drive over burning debris, work in extreme temperatures, and use its water cannon to create a so-called “water wall.”.
