Hyundai releases unmanned firefighting robot

MANILA: Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) has unveiled its Unmanned Firefighting Robot — an advanced mobility solution designed for deployment in active fire scenes.

Donated to the National Fire Agency, the disaster response machine was first shown in the “A Safer Way Home” campaign video.

Per HMG, the Unmanned Firefighting Robot represents a next-generation disaster response platform created through the cooperation of Hyundai Motor Company, Kia, Hyundai Rotem, Hyundai Mobis and the National Fire Agency. Through this campaign, HMG aims to show the value of robot technology that protects and rescues people.

Unmanned Firefighting Robot enhances firefighter safety

Eyed to protect the lives and safety of firefighters and citizens, the Unmanned Firefighting Robot identifies and assesses the situation, approaches the fire’s source, and directly extinguishes the blaze.

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This robot is deployed to high-risk fire scenes on locations that are difficult for firefighters to enter due to risks of collapse, explosion, high temperatures, toxic gas or dense smoke.

Key features, capabilities

Based on the “HR-SHERPA” (a multi-purpose unmanned vehicle developed for military use), the robot integrates unmanned electrification technology with remote operation, vision enhancement, and a thermal management package.

This comes with a self-spraying water-cooling system and insulation structure that ensures heat resistance of up to 800 degrees Celsius — supporting safe operation of its battery and electric control systems.

Other key technologies include:

• Advanced self-driving assistance system: Recognizes surrounding terrain and obstacles to minimize collision risk in curved, narrow, or obstacle-dense environments.
• AI Vision-enhancing Camera: With its short and long wave infrared thermal imaging sensors, the camera transmits precise, real-time video, even when visibility is poor due to dense smoke and high heat.

• High-Pressure Self-illuminating Hose Reel: The high pressure photoluminescent hose mounted on the robot incorporates photoluminescent properties, allowing it to emit light on its own even in darkness.

• 6x6 In-wheel Motor System: This electric powertrain from Hyundai Mobis places a motor in each of the six wheels, allowing for 360-degree rotation in place for exceptional maneuverability in tight spaces. It is also highly durable, waterproof, and dustproof electrical modules.

How ‘Physical AI’ help advanced disaster response

More than a fire suppression tool, the Unmanned Firefighting Robot serves as a “data acquisition platform” that digitizes disaster scenes.

Further, machine is expected to come with more advanced ‘fire response platform.”

“The true value of this robot is not merely its heat resistance or fire suppression power, but its role as a ‘Physical AI’ that operates in actual disaster sites. In extreme environments where firefighters cannot enter, it will collect and learn from real-world operational data to develop into a sophisticated disaster response platform. This will usher in an era of hybrid convergence where humans and robots overcome their respective limitations, marking a ‘paradigm shift for AI in firefighting.’” – National Fire Agency Acting Commissioner Seung-ryong Kim.

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