Instead of rescuers: Chinese robot dogs enter fires and chemical leak zones
The Chinese company DEEP Robotics is actively testing the X30 and Lynx M20 robots for use in emergencies, such as fires, chemical leaks, collapses, and flooding. Both robots have significant potential in rescue operations, thanks to their technological capabilities and functionality.
Technological capabilities of the robots
The X30 robot is equipped with cameras, a 3D lidar, and multi-gas sensors that detect dangerous gases, including carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulfide, and hydrochloric acid. This robot can extinguish fires using a water cannon that operates with both water and foam at distances of up to 60 meters, consuming up to 40 liters of water per second.
- X30 modifications can also carry fire hoses, air tanks, and tools for debris removal.
- It can navigate slopes and stairs at angles of up to 45 degrees, as well as obstacles up to 20 centimeters high.
- The X30 chassis has IP67 protection and operates in a temperature range from -20 to +55 °C.
The Lynx M20 robot is a wheeled-walking platform that moves on wheels and can transition to leg motion on uneven surfaces. Both platforms are connected to a cloud-based control system that provides remote management, real-time mapping, object recognition using artificial intelligence, and data visualization.
The testing of the robots took place during drills that included scenarios of fires in high-rise buildings, accidents in tunnels, chemical leaks, tank fires, and simulated structural collapses. In particular, the X30 was used to inspect underground energy tunnels, where it sought cracks, water leaks, and other hazards.
The use of robotic technologies in rescue operations can significantly increase the efficiency and safety of such measures, reducing risks for people.
Given the increasing number of emergencies, such as natural disasters or technological accidents, the integration of robots into response processes is becoming increasingly relevant. The development and improvement of such technologies can change approaches to rescue operations, ensuring faster and more accurate task execution in hazardous conditions.
As the capabilities of robotic technology continue to evolve, recent events highlight the challenges faced during emergency situations. In a recent competition, only a fraction of robotic teams were able to successfully tackle fire extinguishing tasks in Beijing. This underscores the necessity for advancements in robotic systems, such as those being developed by DEEP Robotics, which aim to enhance efficiency and safety in critical rescue operations. For more details on these developments, see how robotic teams are performing in firefighting.