The Firefighting Bug
The Off-road Loescheinheit (OLE) is a product of the University of Magdeburg-Stendal, located west of Berlin. OLE is a robot which has the shape of a pill bug (Armadillidium vulgare) and is supposed to prevent fires in the Black Forest from Germany.
It is equipped with powdered fire-extinguishing agents and water tanks, and it also has guiding and detection features such as GPS, heat and infrared sensors. Its shape was inspired from the interlinking armor of the bug, and from that concept resulted the fireproof suit. OLE has six feet, which are perfect for movement and keeping its balance on almost any type of terrain. Its shell will be made from fire-resistant ceramic-fiber compounds that can support temperatures of 1,850°F.
The robot could be used in two ways, its manufacturers suggest: to patrol the forests actively seeking for fires and dangers, or to be left in several hot spots to guard those places. One of these firefighters could weigh 150 to 200 pounds and have a price between $125,000 and $200,000.
Category: Robots