Hyderabad: It may weigh over half a tonne, but Telangana’s firefighting robot is designed to shoulder the entire role of a firefighter—without endangering a single human life. Nicknamed the “silent guard” and “first responder,” this French-engineered machine is now being actively deployed across the Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts. Fire stations are receiving the robot on a rotational basis to provide hands-on training for their personnel.
Manufactured by Shark Robotics in France, the firefighting robot is specifically engineered for environments too hazardous for human responders—such as chemical fires, toxic smoke zones, gas leak-prone areas, and structurally unstable buildings. “The robot can withstand extreme temperatures of up to 900–1,000°C, thanks to its thick aluminium shell,” said an official. “In conditions where human skin would burn instantly, this 500-kilo machine can enter without hesitation. Its tank-like treads allow it to navigate slopes and debris-strewn accident sites with ease,” the official added.
Secunderabad Station Fire Officer (SFO) S. Shankar said, “The robot is operated remotely from a safe distance. It’s equipped with high-definition cameras on all four sides and thermal imaging capabilities. This allows it to navigate through dense smoke or collapsed structures while providing clear visuals to firefighters. Its temperature display changes color—glowing red under extreme heat and green when conditions are safe—offering real-time feedback to responders.”
Regional Fire Officer (RFO) Sudhakar Rao highlighted the robot’s main weapon—a high-pressure water and foam monitor capable of discharging up to 2,000 litres per minute. “Firefighters can switch between jet and fog spray modes depending on the fire’s intensity,” he explained. “It runs on batteries and can function for extended periods without needing a recharge.”
Since its launch in April, the robot has already proven its worth in several summer fire incidents, including the blaze at Gulzar House. “At present, the Mogulpura headquarters is rotating the robot across fire stations for week-long training sessions,” added SFO Shankar. “We’re being trained in navigation, camera operations, and front-and-back tactical deployment.”
Although the robot was not deployed during the recent Pashamylaram fire, officials clarified that it is reserved for major industrial accidents or extreme emergencies. “There was an explosion at one of the sites, but the fire was quickly brought under control — only debris was left. This technology is meant for situations where human lives are seriously at risk,” a fire department officer explained.
To familiarise the public with its capabilities, demonstrations have been conducted at international schools, malls, high-rise buildings, and IT campuses. It may not wear a helmet or boots, but when it steps into the field, the robot shoulders the full weight — and responsibility — of a firefighter.
