The New Comrade: How a Firefighting Robot Helps - Hanau Pioneers Robotic Firefighting with 'Wolf' Robot
Hanau, a city in Germany, is pioneering the use of robots in firefighting, aiming to establish a 'Robotic Task Force' for regional operations. This innovative approach seeks to enhance safety and efficiency in firefighting missions, including handling munitions-contaminated areas. The city's fire department has been using a robot named 'Wolf' for over a year, with successful deployments in various types of fires and rescue operations.
The 'Wolf' robot, developed by the German company Robot Security Strategies, is designed to assist firefighters in multiple ways. It can handle firefighting tasks, conduct reconnaissance, open doors, shut off valves, and detect hazardous materials. This year alone, Hanau's fire department has deployed the robot around 30 times, demonstrating its versatility in missions ranging from forest fires to major blazes and search-and-rescue operations.
Hanau's fire chief Hendrik Frese highlights the robot's ability to operate independently, reducing the need for breathing apparatus and personnel during summer forest fires. This not only enhances safety but also conserves valuable resources. The city has established a special unit for robotics and drone operations to manage and maintain these advanced tools.
Similar systems are in use in other German cities such as Vechta, Bayreuth, and Röthenbach, as well as in countries like Austria, the Netherlands, and Ukraine. However, the integration of such systems into fire service regulations is still underway, and training on their use is limited in fire academies. The Dortmund and Werl fire departments, in collaboration with the German Rescue Robotics Center (DRZ), are also developing a Robotic Task Force to further advance the use of these innovative tools in firefighting.
The use of robots in firefighting, as demonstrated by Hanau and other cities, is a promising development in enhancing safety and efficiency in fire and disaster response. As these 'new generation' technical aids become more prevalent, it is crucial for fire service regulations and training programs to adapt and evolve to support their effective integration into firefighting operations.
