Although brave, firefighters have their limits. Simply put, they can’t fight every fire but they can use modern technology to help them out.
One such piece of technology is Shark Robotics’ Colossus, which is a robust fire-fighting robot developed with the help of Paris firemen, the Brigade de Sapeurs-Pompiers. This multi-purpose support robot was made for operations in high-risk areas and has already proven its worth, having helped extinguish the ferocious Notre Dame blaze that occurred on April 15, 2019. At that time, it enabled almost 3,000 liters of water to be sprayed per minute onto the inside walls of the cathedral, without endangering a single human life.
While it may seem small in size — though it looks like a tank with an enormous hose in place of a gun — Colossus manages to live up to its name. Considered to be “the most powerful electric robot in the world,” it is amazingly resistant to thermal radiation (up to 900°C), and can run up to 12 hours in an operational situation with a carrying capacity of up to 500 Kg.
Colossus’ integration is also impressive. In less than 30 seconds, its functions can be changed by a single operator without the use of any special tool. Also, the Colossus is easy to use, a low-maintenance robot that can be set up quickly for action.
Beyond firefighting, this versatile robot was also used in Marseille, France during the COVID-19 pandemic to disinfect surfaces without taking risks.
Furthermore, Colossus’ modular design enables authorities to equip it with an HD camera to observe the environment through 360 degrees, day and night; or to fit it with sensors dedicated to measuring precise parameters, such as temperature, radiation, or the presence of bacteriological agents.
Yes, this is a savvy little beast and chances are we’ll be hearing more about it in the months to come.
Takeaway
Considered to be "the most powerful electric robot in the world," it is amazingly resistant to thermal radiation (up to 900°C), and can run up to 12 hours in an operational situation with a carrying capacity of up to 500 Kg. Also, its use cases extend beyond firefighting, with firefighters in Marseille, France using Colossus during the COVID-19 pandemic to disinfect surfaces without taking risks.
Action point
Colossus is one of those hi-tech gadgets every city/town with important or hystoric buildings should have. Once deployed, it will aid firefighters in getting to places that would otherwise be outside of their reach, thus helping extinguish fires much faster. Its cost may not be small, but we're sure some deal (joint procurement) could be made with the major insurance company operating in your municipality (or more of them). Also, by procuring Colossus, you will show that you're taking good care of your constituents and their property, and that brings votes.
Contact Shark Robotics and see whether you could become their reseller, which would offer Colossus in the municipalities your business serves. The way we see it, you're selling nothing but benefits — no matter the price tag. After all, this savvy robot will help cities and towns better protect people and property during fires. And, unfortunately, with the climate changing - the number of fires will increase. If the price is too steep, see if you could involve the major insurance company in the area to subsidize the purchase.