The Firefighting

Robot

By: Jacob Kemble

What is it?
Name: OLE
(Pronounced ohluh) and means (Offroad Loescheinheit)
Its a St. Bernard
sized bug
Designed by
Professor Ulrich
Wohlgemuth from
Germany

Specifications

Cost: $125,000
$200,000
Weight: 150-200 lbs.

Made from fireresistant ceramicfiber compounds.

Can stand
temperatures up to
1850 F.
The robot is
equipped with
tanks of water and
powdered fire
extinguishing
agents.

How does it work?

Stays balled-up until
its sensors pick up a
fire within a half-mile
radius.
Self-guided by GPS,
intelligent feelers,
infrared and heat
sensors.
Has six legs to
navigate itself
through and around
obsticles

Where would it be useful?

Would be most
valuable to have
in small business
stores, factories,
or restaurants.
Germany plans
to place these
bugs in
campgrounds in
order to prevent
wildfires.

Limitations
Many believe it will be a better scout
than firefighter.
Cannot leave outside for long
periods of time due to battery life.
It is not meant to put out large fires.

Reference
http://www.popsci.com/scitech/article
/2008-03/firefighting-robot