The Firefighting Robot

By: Jacob Kemble

What is it?

• Name: OLE (Pronounced “oh-luh”) and means (Off-road Loescheinheit)

• It’s a St. Bernard sized bug

• Designed by Professor Ulrich Wohlgemuth from Germany

Specifications• Made from fire-

resistant ceramic-fiber compounds.

• Can stand temperatures up to 1850 F. ̊�

• The robot is equipped with tanks of water and powdered fire extinguishing agents.

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

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