Photo: Courtesy of DEEP Robotics

For the first time, a home-grown quadruped robot has been put into operational use by a local fire and rescue team in Changsha, Central China's Hunan Province, another achievement showing how robots are transitioning from labs to real-world applications, the robot's developer told the Global Times on Monday.

Before its official deployment, the X30 quadruped robot, also known as a "robot dog," had participated in multiple fire drills and assisted rescue efforts in several high-rise buildings, according to local media reports.

The X30 quadruped robot, designed to tackle the toughest industrial challenges, was developed by the Hangzhou-based DEEP Robotics, a leading quadrupedal robot developer, in Southeast China's Zhejiang Province. The "robot dog" is approximately 1 meter long, 50 centimeters tall when standing, and weighs about 56 kilograms.

"One of the X30's key features is its ability to operate in temperatures ranging from minus 20 to 55 C. It can navigate and function autonomously in extreme environments, whether in scorching heat or freezing cold weather, with a range of over 10 kilometers, overcoming obstacles at a speed of up to 5 meters per second. It has been widely used in power inspections, emergency rescue missions and police patrols," according to a statement the company shared with the Global Times.

It also features remote control and two-way communication, allowing firefighters to control it remotely while maintaining real-time communication. 

Moreover, the robot is equipped with advanced sensors that can detect harmful gases at fire scenes, providing crucial data to rescuers, a technician from the company told the Global Times, noting that it also has the ability to scan and map three-dimensional spaces in real time, giving firefighters precise real-time insights into hazardous environments. This capability significantly enhances situational awareness and decision-making during rescue operations.

The quadruped robot also features an extended battery life. The endurance has increased by 25 percent, and the battery supports quick replacement, assuring the handling of emergencies, special tasks and industry applications.

According to personnel from the Changsha Fire and Rescue, the introduction of this innovative technology has significantly improved the efficiency of fire rescue operations while ensuring the safety of firefighters, Changsha Evening News reported. It not only enhances the rescue capabilities of the fire department but also provides strong support for tackling more complex and challenging rescue missions.

China has become the world's largest market for robot applications. In recent years, the rapid growth of the country's robotics industry has led to the deployment of robots across various sectors, including warehouse logistics, education and entertainment, cleaning services, security inspection and medical rehabilitation, the Xinhua News Agency reported.