The New Comrade: How a Firefighting Robot Helps - Hanau Fire Department's Robot 'Wolf' Revolutionizes Firefighting
Hanau Fire Department has made headlines with its innovative use of robotics in firefighting and rescue operations. The department has recently established a 'Robotic Task Force' and has been using a firefighting robot named 'Wolf' for over a year. The robot has been deployed around 30 times this year, assisting in various operations including forest fires and major blazes.
The robot, 'Wolf', can perform a variety of tasks such as firefighting, reconnaissance, opening doors, shutting off valves, and detecting hazardous materials. It can operate independently, reducing the need for breathing apparatus and personnel, as noted by Hanau Fire Chief Hendrik Frese. The robot has been particularly useful in structurally unstable buildings, as demonstrated in two large fires at a waste management facility in Wächtersbach.
The robot's capabilities have been praised by Oliver Rasche, a robotics expert with the German Firefighters Association (DFV). However, he notes that fire services are traditionally resistant to new technologies. The cost of such robots can vary greatly, ranging from €35,000 to €500,000 depending on their specifications. Similar systems are in use in other regions such as Lower Saxony, Bavaria, Austria, the Netherlands, and Ukraine. However, as of 2023, there is no comprehensive information on other German fire departments using the exact same remote-controlled firefighting robot system outside of Hanau.
Hanau's use of robotics in firefighting has proven successful, with the robot 'Wolf' assisting in numerous operations. While the technology is not yet widespread across Germany, its potential in reducing risks to firefighters and aiding in complex situations is clear. As technology continues to advance, it will be interesting to see how fire services across the country adapt and integrate these innovations.
