China has tested a four-legged firefighting robot designed to operate in extreme heat and help emergency teams deal with dangerous fire scenes.
The robot, called Tianlang Q25, recently took part in its first practical drill in a simulated tunnel fire. Developed by Chinese robotics company Wushi Intelligent, the machine entered an area reaching temperatures of up to 500°C while wearing a specially designed heat-resistant protective suit. It was reported to remain operational in such conditions for about two minutes.
During the exercise, Tianlang Q25 was used to locate the fire, detect harmful gases, and search for people trapped inside the burning area. Its four-legged design allows it to move through difficult environments where visibility is poor and conditions can be dangerous for human firefighters.
The robot is intended to work as an early-response tool rather than replace firefighters. It can enter high-risk areas first, collect information and send details about the conditions back to rescue teams.
The technology could be particularly useful in tunnel fires, where intense heat, smoke and toxic gases can make it difficult for firefighters to enter safely.
