The initiative follows classes realized from the Jan.1 Noto Peninsula earthquake, the place delayed firefighting efforts within the metropolis of Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture, exacerbated injury attributable to a significant tsunami warning.
The robots, remotely operated, can navigate fireplace websites even throughout earthquakes or tsunami warnings. They will obtain water from fireplace engines to suppress flames and are outfitted with water curtain nozzles to forestall the unfold of fireside by making a barrier in opposition to flying embers.
The plan is for the robots for use in hazardous conditions the place firefighters can’t safely method the scene.
Funds for the venture have been included within the fiscal 2024 supplementary finances. Three fireplace departments will obtain the robots initially.
To guarantee swift catastrophe response, further small rescue autos will even be launched, designed to navigate broken roads effectively. For emergency responders working underneath excessive circumstances, the company plans to deploy high-performance air-conditioned tents with superior insulation, serving as relaxation and lodging areas.
Currently, Japan’s emergency fireplace help groups consist of roughly 6,600 items registered with fireplace departments and aviation groups nationwide. Following the Noto quake, 59,000 personnel had been dispatched to affected areas over a 52-day interval.
Similarly, throughout extreme flooding in the identical area in September, 6,200 responders performed rescue operations over 13 days.