UAE company invents firefighting robot for dangerous blazes

A Dubai-based company has introduced a mobile robot named Wabel, designed to serve as a first responder in firefighting scenarios. Developed by FFBOTS, the robot is capable of entering hazardous areas that are difficult for firefighters to access. With a water flow rate of 8,000 litres per minute, a range of 100 meters, and a height of 50 meters, Wabel can initiate firefighting operations before human responders arrive on the scene. Equipped with cameras and sensors, it provides real-time information about the fire, assisting firefighters in formulating safer and more effective strategies to handle the emergency.

While it is unclear whether the robot will be utilized by Dubai’s civil defence or local emergency services, FFBOTS aims to contribute the robot as a valuable asset to firefighting departments in the UAE and the wider region. The robot serves as a support tool for firefighters, particularly in high-risk situations involving proximity to oil and gas reservoirs or highly flammable materials. It enables access to the heart of the blaze, including scenarios such as ammunition depots, toxic chemical fires, nuclear reactor fires, high-temperature oilfield fires, and collapsed buildings.

Controlled wirelessly from a distance of up to 1 kilometre, Wabel features four hose inlets and GPS technology. It boasts six smart cameras that cover all directions, enabling firefighters to make informed decisions remotely without directly approaching the flames. The robot incorporates front-end water sprinklers for cooling purposes and vertical spouts that create a fountain to cool it from above. Additionally, it can utilize foam as well as water during firefighting operations.

Despite weighing approximately a tonne, Wabel is capable of climbing gradients of up to 30 degrees. It includes an inbound audio channel that allows the controller to hear the surroundings, while powerful headlights aid visibility through thick smoke, and an audible siren guides others towards it.

FFBOTS has global ambitions for the Wabel robot, aligning with the UAE government’s directives to leverage artificial intelligence for enhancing the quality of life and preserving lives and property through rapid response firefighting operations. By offering advanced capabilities for firefighting professionals, Wabel aims to revolutionize firefighting practices and contribute to improved safety outcomes.