It is able to detect a fire on every type of ship, withstand a maximum temperature of 500 degrees and fight the flames shoulder to shoulder with the human counterpart.
Researchers at Naval Research Laboratory have developed SAFFiR, an acronym for Shipboard Autonomous Firefighting Robot, a humanoid robot that can interact with sailors and monitor the status of ships, intervening in the front line to extinguish fires.
The robot is able to perform all the actions of a human fireman.
SAFFiR can lift and activate fire suppression equipment, open a water tap, lift and manage the fire hose to tame the flames.
The SAFFiR robots, according to the intentions of the US Navy, will reduce the risk to human beings, monitoring the integrity of ships at sea. The robot is able to walk and change direction, remaining in balance even with rough seas and storms, can get around obstacles, close and open the bulkheads. To see through the smoke and detect the sources of heat, SAFFiR is equipped with infrared and ultraviolet cameras and a gas sensor.
The robotic platform, protected by a special resin capable of withstanding up to 500 degrees, is designed to work with humans, including the gestures and commands of human firefighters.
Saffir is part of the "Damage Control for the 21st Century" or DC-21 program, which aims to improve, thanks to the new technology, the ability to identify and resolve critical issues on board the boats.
SAFFiR could soon be joined by "microflyers" (micro-drones, ed), able to map into 3-D in real time, fires and the extent of damage.
Franco Iacch
(Photo: US Naval Research Laboratory)
