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Navy unveils new firefighting robot prototype

SAFFiR can see through dense smoke, walk uneven floors, detect overheated equipment and carry a hose on its own

NY Daily News

WASHINGTON — Firefighters may be the next to get replaced by robots.

The U.S. Navy unveiled its latest robot named SAFFiR, which is a 5-foot-10 two-legged robot that can see through dense smoke and carry a hose on its own. The 143-pound robot, sponsored by the Office of Naval Research, was presented at the Naval Future Force Science & Technology EXPO on Feb. 4.

“We set out to build and demonstrate a humanoid capable of mobility aboard a ship, manipulating doors and dire hoses, and equipped with sensors to see and navigate through smoke,” said Thomas McKenna, program officer at the office of Naval Research, in a statement. “The long-term goal is to keep sailors from the direct exposure of fire.”

Full story: U.S. Navy unveils new firefighting robot prototype

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