Kansas City Fire Department unveils new firefighting robot: ‘Saving time, resources, lives’

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - On Saturday, the Kansas City Fire Department announced the successful initiation of its newest member — a firefighting robot.

According to KCFD, a fire broke out at the Batliner Recycling Facility in Northeast Kansas City around 6:45 a.m. on March 15. Crews found several trailers on the west side of the property and several large piles of recyclable materials engulfed in flames.

Several additional companies were dispatched to help with the extinguishing efforts. The nearby railroad lines reportedly had to be shut down to get enough water lines to the scene.

KCFD also used its new remote-controlled robot for the first time.

The robot is ”equipped with multiple cameras, including thermal imaging, a front-mounted blade for debris, tracked mobility for ease of operation and accessibility, and is supplied by multiple supply lines producing upwards of 2500 gallons per minute of water for fire suppression,” KCFD said in a release.

It can be used in offensive or defensive firefights and even in Kansas City’s below-ground caves. The department noted that the robot is especially needed in situations that pose a “great risk” to firefighters.

“This technology continues to keep the Kansas City Fire Department on the cutting edge of the fire service and adds to our storied history of leading the way in our industry,” KCFD continued.

The recycling fire was put out by 9 a.m., but crews remained on the scene to continue working on hot spots throughout the property. The cause remains under investigation.

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