Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) is continuing its efforts to protect the public and firefighters through the donation of four Unmanned Firefighting Robots designed for high-risk environments to South Korea’s National Fire Agency.
A donation ceremony for the remote fire suppression robots was held on February 24 at the National 119 Rescue Headquarters in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.
The event was attended by key figures including, Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group; Sung Kim, President and Head of Strategic Planning Division of Hyundai Motor Group; Yongbae Lee, President and CEO of Hyundai Rotem Company; Seung-ryong Kim, Acting Commissioner of the Korea National Fire Agency; and Jin-ho Lee, Director of the Policy Coordination of the Korea National Fire Agency.
How Does the Unmanned Firefighting Robot Assist Firefighters in High-Risk Environments?
The Unmanned Firefighting Robot was developed in collaboration with the Korea National Fire Agency and is based on Hyundai Rotem’s electrified, multi-purpose unmanned vehicle, the HR-Sherpa. Equipped with remote‑driving capabilities, the HR‑Sherpa can be fitted with a wide range of mission‑specific equipment depending on operational needs.
Key features and functions of the Unmanned Firefighting Robot include:
Water Cannon: Mounted on the vehicle’s front, the nozzle allows for both direct and spray-type water control to effectively respond to various fire patterns
Self-Spraying System: Continuously sprays coolant from nozzles surrounding the robot, forming a water curtain around its exterior. This system protects the vehicle body from flames and allows it to maintain a temperature of 50-60°C in environments reaching up to 800°C
Vision-Enhancing Camera: An infrared sensor-based camera on the front of the robot ensures excellent object detection through flames and smoke, helping to identify a fire’s point of origin or individuals that need rescuing
Remote Operation: A remote operator receives real-time video from the unit’s vision-enhancing camera via a wireless connection, allowing for full control of the robot's driving and firefighting functions
All-Terrain Mobility: The robot is equipped with special high-temperature-resistant tires and a six-wheel independent drive in-wheel motor system, allowing for smooth operation on difficult terrain amongst fire debris and obstacles
At the request of the Korea National Fire Agency, two Unmanned Firefighting Robots were deployed to the 119 Special Rescue Units in the Capital and Yeongnam regions and are already in use in live fire operations. Two additional robots will be delivered to the Gyeonggi Provincial Fire Headquarters (Hwaseong) and Chungnam Provincial Fire Headquarters.
Why are the Unmanned Firefighting Robots Being Deployed and How Will They Help?
According to the Korea National Fire Agency, 1,802 firefighters have been injured or killed in the line of duty over the past decade. In response, the Group developed the Unmanned Firefighting Robot to reduce risks to firefighters in hazardous environments. The robot was designed using the Group’s technological capabilities and incorporates direct feedback from fire crews.
Hyundai Motor Group and the Korea National Fire Agency expect the robot to be deployed in high-risk scenarios that are challenging for firefighters to access, such as:
Suppressing initial fires in large-scale blazes
Navigating scenes with a risk of structural collapse
Assessing the safety of a hazardous area before rescue teams enter
The Unmanned Firefighting Robot is an electrified platform that is expected to operate effectively in confined spaces filled with toxic gases — conditions that limit the use of conventional internal combustion firefighting vehicles.
In addition to the deployment, the Group has provided comprehensive operational manuals and training to ensure the robots are used effectively. The Group will continue its close collaboration with the Korea National Fire Agency to ensure that the robots operate safely and reliably at fire scenes.
What Other Measures Has Hyundai Motor Group Implemented to Aid Firefighters?
This donation is part of the Group’s long-standing cooperation with the South Korean National Fire Agency, guided by its CSR mission established in 2023: “We make the right move towards free mobility, a safe society and a sustainable planet.”
Hyundai Motor Group’s ongoing support initiatives for Korean firefighters include:
Firefighter Recovery Support Vehicles: Donated 10 premium special-purpose buses, modified from the Hyundai Universe Mobile Office, to provide on-site rest and recovery facilities for firefighters
National Fire Hospital Support: The Group will actively support the nation’s first medical institution for firefighter care, scheduled to open this June. Support will include donations of ambulances and medical equipment for the treatment and rehabilitation of firefighters
