Hurim Robot unveiled a robot for extinguishing electric vehicle fires, showcasing new firefighting technology. This robot enters beneath the vehicle and directly sprays water onto the lithium-ion battery, directly controlling thermal runaway, the main cause of the fire. The company explained that this technology protects firefighters' safety and enables more efficient extinguishing operations.
Electric vehicle battery fires cause a thermal runaway phenomenon, where heat generation and ignition repeat on their own. To control this thermal runaway early, firefighters dispatched to the scene typically respond by inserting a special nozzle under the vehicle and spraying water. However, extinguishing is difficult and dangerous as explosions can occur around the vehicle due to thermal runaway. Such electric vehicle fires make direct firefighter access difficult, highlighting the need for new response technologies.
The fire extinguishing robot introduced by Hurim Robot this time was designed to solve these problems. Its low-profile mobile design allows smooth entry under the vehicle, and it effectively cools ignition points by directly spraying water on the battery. Additionally, remote control technology is applied so that firefighters can perform extinguishing operations from a safe distance without directly approaching hazardous areas.
Hurim Robot's current project was realized through collaboration with firefighting specialist company Paratech. By integrating Paratech's water spraying technology, the technical completeness was enhanced to evenly deliver cooling water throughout the battery.
Kim Bong-gwan, CEO of Hurim Robot, said, "This fire extinguishing robot was developed considering efficient fire response and firefighter safety. As a robotics company, we will continue to develop solutions that combine technological innovation and safety." He added, "We hope to introduce an electric vehicle fire extinguishing robot equipped with autonomous driving technology, enabling unmanned control beyond remote control."
Meanwhile, Hurim Robot is focusing on developing various advanced robotic solutions by strengthening collaboration to maximize synergy following the acquisition of EQCell.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
