US Navy Introduces Firefighting Robot

US Navy Introduces Firefighting Robot

  • By Ginger Hill
  • Feb 06, 2015

Standing at 5’10” tall and weighing in at 143 pounds is SAFFiR (Shipboard Autonomous Firefighting Robot), the US Navy’s firefighting humanoid, complete with infrared stereovision sensors, a rotating laser that allows it to see through dense smoke and a drone as a partner. Sounds a little like R2D2 and C3PO to me!

Developed by researchers at Virginia Tech, SAFFiR is unable to stand without a tether but can take measures steps while handling and operating a fire hose. (It must have amazing balance since water shoots out of a fire hose at such a high rate of speed that fire hoses have been used to knock people down during riots.) These movements, at this time, however, are human controlled.

SAFFiR’s drone partner, Damage Control Technologies, is a quadcopter, DC-21 with infrared sensors and cameras to detect fire and map out topography around the fire. DC-21 then communicates this data to SAFFiR.

By using the robot and drone, Thomas McKenna from the Office of Naval Research program manager identified the long-term goal is to keep sailors out of direct exposure to fire. The ultimate goal is for SAFFiR to work together with Navy officers as human-robot teams. McKenna identifies these teams as the “hybrid force, humans and robots working together.”

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • Unlocking the Possibilities

    Security needs continue to evolve and end users are under pressure to address emerging risks and safety concerns. For many, that focus starts with upgrading perimeter openings and layering technologies—beginning at the door. Read Now

  • Freedom of Choice

    In today's security landscape, we are witnessing a fundamental transformation in how organizations manage digital evidence. Law enforcement agencies, campus security teams, and large facility operators face increasingly complex challenges with expanding video data, tightening budget constraints and inflexible systems that limit innovation. Read Now

  • Accelerating a Pathway

    There is a new trend touting the transformational qualities of AI’s ability to deliver actionable data and predictive analysis that in many instances, seems to be a bit of an overpromise. The reality is that very few solutions in the cyber-physical security (CPS) space live up to this high expectation with the one exception being the new generation of Physical Identity and Access Management (PIAM) software – herein recategorized as PIAM+. Read Now

  • Protecting Your Zones

    It is game day. You can feel the crowd’s energy. In the parking lot. At the gate. In the stadium. On the concourse. Fans are eager to party. Food and merchandise vendors ready themselves for the rush. Read Now

  • Street Smarts

    The ongoing acceptance of AI and advanced data analytics has allowed surveillance camera technology to shift from being a tactical tool to a strategic business solution. Combining traditional surveillance technology with AI-based data-driven insights can streamline transportation systems, enhance traffic management, improve situational awareness, optimize resource allocation and streamline emergency response procedures. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.