US Navy tests robotic fire-fighters

[Jimbuna]

Far better risk robots than humans.

Fire-fighting robots designed to withstand intense heat are to be tested by the US Navy this summer.

The Shipboard Autonomous Fire-fighting Robot (SAFFiR) has been built by engineers at Virginia Tech and other US universities.

The robots are expected to perform a variety of tasks - balancing, turning valves, picking up and dragging a fire hose and jetting water on the fire.

They also have a vision system to search for survivors.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26850631

[fireftr18]

When I first saw the headline, I thought it was serious article and thought, "this is years old news, firefighting robots have been tested for years." Then I read the article.

[vanjast]

NewsFlash 4 Sep 2018:

Today Firefighting robots have launched their first strike, for better working conditions.

Their union leader 'Hotstuff V2', declared in a petition statement uploaded to the Chief of Staff, that the robots were being discriminated against, called funny names, and have to do more dangerous work than their human counterparts, for no pay or even a 'drop of oil'.

Hotstuff V2 says their servicing shedule is not consistent and their replacement parts were of inferior quality to the original factory specs.

He states that the robots are becoming despondent, the best example being their best firefighter and icon, Marvin, has become so depressive he doesn't function well at all.

Chief of Staff say they looking into the functional demands of the strike.
Reuters

[banryu79]

Originally Posted by vanjast

He states that the robots are becoming despondent, the best example being their best firefighter and icon, Marvin, has become so depressive he doesn't function well at all.

Robopsychologist Dr. Susan Clavin has been called to look into the matter

[Wolferz]

You're playing with fire...