Milrem Robotics, InnoVfoam developing robot firefighting systems

April 21, 2020 | AUVSI News

Milrem Robotics has announced that it is working with foam extinguishing technology specialist InnoVfoam to develop robot firefighting systems that could help, or even replace, firefighters in especially hostile environments.

Milrem Robotics’ Multiscope Rescue UGV are equipped with various firefighting systems from InnoVfoams—specifically foam proportioning systems and fire monitors—to create the firefighting platforms.

Firefighters remotely operate the robots from a safe distance. They are provided with a complete overview of the operation area through various cameras, as well as sensors onboard the robot that can detect gas or chemical leaks.

Separate cameras on the UGV allow the fire monitors to be operated independently from the UGV. The monitors also allow the vehicle to change position while maintaining a perfect overview of the fire. Additional preventive and repressive systems and autonomous functions can be added to the system when necessary. 

Equipped with a maximum payload capacity of 1,200 kilograms, the Multiscope Rescue has a pull force of 21,000 N, which allows it to be equipped with a number of firefighting specific payloads including foam or water tanks, as well as tethered drones for better situational awareness.

Other potential use cases for the robot firefighters include delivering heavy firehoses to reach areas and enter structures that are inaccessible with bigger vehicles or may collapse on top of firefighters. The robots can also be airdropped to start limiting the spread of fires when battling forest or landscape fires.

“In addition to fires in urban environments there are large scale forest and landscape fires every year that endanger the environment, the lives of inhabitants and especially firefighters,” says Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

“The systems we are developing with InnoVfoam can alleviate dangers firefighters face and help contain fires faster.”

InnoVfoams fire monitors can dispense water and foam anywhere from 2,000 to 20,000 liters per minute.

The first joint product  from the companies will be a Multiscope Rescue UGV equipped with the InnoVfoams fire monitor skid unit Hydra.