Korean companies show off firefighting robots

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Korean businessmen are inviting Lafayette officials to look into the future, where when it comes to fire, a robot could be to thank for saving somebody's life.

Two Korean companies are hoping to learn from Purdue's expertise in robotics and digital optics, and were in town Tuesday to show off some of their latest technology in firefighting robots.

Executives from company DRB demonstrated the abilities of their Dongil Field Robot, which uses a hose to spray water, and can be remote-controlled even through the dark, using a thermal imaging camera. The robot can withstand temperatures up to 1400 degrees, and operate continuously for up to an hour and a half.

The smaller HOYAROBOT is described as more of an "explorer," sending back video and temperature readings of a building that may be on fire.

"We've put a lot of work into it. There's been a lot of trips back-and-forth to Korea for the last two-and-a-half years," said Eric Matson, an assistant professor of computer and information technology at Purdue. "So, it's nice to actually have a week like this where they can bring their products over."

Matson said in that time he's worked with Korean companies on research partnerships. He said the two companies that demonstrated the firefighting robots Tuesday are now looking to work with Purdue to help research to create and commercialize their products. While it's still early in the process, that could mean manufacturing products like these in Greater Lafayette.

"It might be a little premature to say that, but as you've heard today, they are in the United States. They're looking for opportunities to expand and to grow their markets, and I think with their relationship with Purdue. That makes the Greater Lafayette community, in my mind, an obvious choice," Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski said. "And so we certainly are interested in building those relationships with these companies."

Besides the possibilities for development here in the Lafayette area, fire officials said these technologies are something they could see happening here within the near future."

"We see it right now, maybe as an industrial setting. Lafayette has a lot of industry. Or in a HAZMAT, hazardous materials setting, where we don't want to put firefighters in right away," said Lafayette Fire Chief Richard Doyle.

The Korean businessmen said some of the technology demonstrated Tuesday is already in use in Korea.