In an innovative move for health and safety in the United Arab Emirates, high-technology firefighting robots are now redefining emergency response operations at Sharjah Civil Defence Authority.
These robots are equipped to douse high-risk industrial fires, securing firefighter safety in hazard-prone zones.
According to Brigadier Yousef Obaid Harmoul Al Shamsi, director general of the authority, the development aligns with the administration's vision of placing human safety first by minimising field risks while tackling challenging situations.
With six robots currently in operation for warehouse and industrial fires, these are capable to handle extreme heat situations and environmental or structural uncertainties. The robots can be directed remotely from up to 1,000 metres away by a team to enter a fire zone and operate promptly, thanks to GPS-supported navigation systems and four hose inlets. Known as FFBOT, these robotic units can seamlessly initiate rapid intervention in industrial zones and warehouse fires. These are designed to release water and foam at the force of of 8,000 litres per minute, with a capacity to reach up to 100 metres and a vertical height of 50 metres.
Individual units feature up to six advanced cameras focused across four directions ensuring exceptional clarity from the danger zone while remote monitoring. Other in-built features include thermal sensors, heavy-duty headlights for smoke-filled environments, audible warning sirens and cooling sprinklers designed to protect the robot from intense heat.
The machines can also climb stairways at angles of up to 30 degrees and use their reinforced front bumpers to break past barriers to reach fire areas.
