“Computer scientists at the University of Southern California USC have developed DEFACTO, a training program which uses artificial intelligence AI to help firefighters practice simulated emergency situations. The system is currently used by the Los Angeles Fire Department. DEFACTO has committees of AI agents which can create disaster scenarios with images and maps seen in 3-D by the trainees. The software agents also evaluate the trainees answers and help them to take better decisions. As said one LAFD captain, You can see if youre heading toward a mistake much more quickly. Read more for additional details about this AI project and a photo of a LAFD Fire Captain using the system.”

• Slashdot | Using AI to Train Firefighters

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“In fact, Anna Konda is a robotic fire hose moving like a snake. This robot, which has been developed in Norway by SINTEF, is 3 m long and weighs 70 kg. The snake contains 20 water hydraulic motors that move the robotic joints. And the energy needed to power these motors comes from water pressurized to 100 bars and already available inside the fire hose. This gives enough energy to this water-powered robot to climb up stairs, to lift a car up off the ground or even break through a wall. Very clever design! The designers think that this robot could not only replace humans to fight fires when it’s too dangerous for them, but could also be used for subsea operations or explosion prevention. An additional overview contains more details and pictures of this snake robot.”

• Slashdot: Anna Konda, the Robotic Firefighter

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