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Dubai is deploying robots to help firefighters tackle blazes in dangerous environments, as the Gulf city steps up its use of automation in emergency services and in November, Dubai Police introduced its self-driving patrol robot at the Global Village tourist destination.
The robot is remotely operated and designed to work in high-risk environments involving toxic gases, chemical fires and extreme heat. The robotic firefighting system has been deployed in real-life fires since the beginning of this year. The robotic firefighting system, operated by Dubai Civil Defence, can spray water up to 196 feet (60 m) and pump around 634 gallons (2,400 lt) per minute, according to officials.
Mohammed Ahmad Alsubosi, Dubai Civil Defence, said, "the specifications of this robot is that it can shoot (water) up to 60 metres (far), plus 2,400 litres (of water) per minute, so that's about 40 litres per second. A human firefighter, you know, if he goes into a very harsh environment with chemicals, with toxic materials burning, it can harm him. But it doesn't harm the robot as much since it also detects these kinds of gases and leaks through its sensors."
The firefighting robot is part of a wider trend in Dubai, where authorities are rolling out autonomous and AI-powered systems across policing, transport and emergency response.
The self-driving patrol robot, known as DPR 02, highlights Dubai’s focus on innovation and security.
"It's called DPR 02. It's a fully automated car. It has many, many features. It's fully supported with AI functions, face recognition," from Aisha Saeed Harb, Dubai police.
Dubai has set out long-term plans to expand the use of robotics and artificial intelligence in government services, under strategies aimed at improving safety, efficiency and response times, according to government websites.
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