A China-made reconnaissance robot used in fire control, the
first of its kind in China, passed technical appraisal by a group
of Chinese scientists in charge of key state science and technology
programs recently.
The robot was jointly developed by the Robot Institute of
Shanghai Jiaotong University and Shanghai Fire Control Institute of
the Ministry of Public Security.
Weighing about 300 kilograms, the robot walks back and forth on
its four continuous chain treads. It can turn left and right, climb
over a barrier 250 mm high and go up stairs with a gradient of 30
degrees.
Carrying three cameras, the robot can monitor conditions on the
ground and in nearby areas and send relevant information back to
its controllers.
The robot is equipped with two flameproof ultrasonic sensors
which can help the robot turn away from barriers and move to safe
places.
Able to test and identify poisonous substances, oxygen
deficiency, explosives and heavy smoke in dangerous places such as
the site of an explosion, the robot can make a very effective
contribution to the safety of firemen.
This kind of robot is expected to go into batch production and
will soon be widely available for fire control in China.
(Shanghai Daily January 19, 2006)