Disaster response robots have become vital members of Taiwan's firefighting squads. They not only improve the efficiency of rescue missions but, more importantly, help keep firefighters safe.
00:00When the alarms sound, firefighters spring into action, racing against time and sometimes into burning buildings, putting their lives at risk to keep the public safe.
00:15But now new technology is helping take on some of the most dangerous tasks.
00:30These robots entered service in 2023.
00:48The same year, four first responders died in a factory fire in Seven Taiwan.
00:53The robots have sensors to spot risky situations before firefighters enter.
01:23For me, this one is equipped with a hot air conditioner and a hot air conditioner.
01:29It can go first to reach the airport and face the high heat and the cold air environment or the cold air environment.
01:38So the information can pass to our control room and return to the hospital.
01:44It can increase our safety and effectiveness.
01:49Earlier this year, a chemical fire in Chia Yi destroyed a firefighting robot,
01:54a loss that in different circumstances could have been a firefighter's life.
01:59And fire officials say Taiwan's many factories and makeshift buildings
02:03are hazards that make it dangerous for firefighters.
02:19And now, more than 140 of these robots are working across Taiwan.
02:29Most of them in New Taipei and Kaohsiung, where many factories pose a fire hazard.
02:34Still, these robots have limitations.
02:49In the years since their introduction, these robots have proven their usefulness.
03:05And with improvements on the way, Taiwan's first responders will soon have even better tools
03:10as they work to put out fires and save lives.
03:12Chris Ma, Patrick Chen, Alec MacDonald and Sainichi for Taiwan Plus.
