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MHI Develops Automatic Firefighting “Water Cannon
Robot” and “Hose Extension Robot” Prototypes
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has
developed prototypes of two firefighting robots:
the “Water Cannon Robot” and the “Hose
Extension Robot”. They are expected to play
an active role in situations where it is difficult
for firefighters to approach, for example at
fires in petrochemical facilities. The “Water
Cannon Robot” can effectively extinguish fires
where people cannot reach, while the “Hose
Extension Robot” automatically lays out up to
300 m of fire hose to supply water to the “Water
Cannon Robot”. These two models constitute
the “Firefighting Robot System”, which works in
conjunction with a reconnaissance robots and
a command system. They are designed to be
easily installed on a fire engine so they can be
moved on-site.
The “Firefighting Robot System” has been
developed through participation in a project
led by Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management
Agency, launched in FY2014 as part of its 5-year
plan. A demonstration of the primary prototype
robots that have been completed under
the project took place today at the National
Research Institute of Fire and Disaster in Tokyo,
showcasing each robots unique capabilities and
performance.
MHI’s two robot models are built around small
agricultural buggies, which provide robust
suspension and high running performance. The
robots can be autonomously controlled, and are
equipped with GPS (Global Positioning System)
and laser sensors mounted on their frames. They
are also equipped with sophisticated technology
that enables them to travel in tandem towards
the source of a fire, with a fire hose connecting
them.
The Water Cannon Robot has a nozzle for
discharge of water or foam, and can discharge
4,000 liters per minute at a pressure of 1.0 MPa.
The Hose Extension Robot can mount up to 300
m of fire hose with a 150 mm inner diameter
(nominal diameter 150 A), and ensures proper
laying by automatically paying out and winding
in the rigid, heavy (2 kg/m) hose as required to
match the robot’s movement on the intended
path including turning angles.
HVACR Leaders • May 2017
67