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)