"We are very happy with what we have achieved so far and we want to improve it so that it can give far better results," KwaZulu-Natal University mechanical engineering lecturer Riaan Stopforth told reporters about the prototype.
"We decided to design this robot because of rescuer lives lost during rescue operations."
The robot - described by the eThekwini Municipality's fire department as "impressive" - weighs 56 kg and will be able to transmit video information before firefighters start their rescue operations. Its development began three years ago. It can travel over very rough ground using wheels that move inside metal belts, like those on a tank.
During demonstrations, the remote controlled robot was able to make sharp turns and "shrink" to squeeze into confined spaces.
It would help save time and lives as Stopforth said many hours were lost when rescuers could not enter a building due to unsafe conditions.
"Over 300 firefighters died at the World Trade Centre during the September 11 attacks in 2001. Rescuers often enter areas that have unstable structures not knowing that there are no people to rescue."
Sixty-five of the over 300 firefighters at the World Trade Centre died because they searched in confined spaces that flooded.
He said the research team was trying to make sure the robot was able to operate near fires and could withstand temperatures of 200 degrees Celsius.
"Problems identified at the World Trade Centre were that the robots' traction systems malfunctioned and some were either large or not easily manoeuvrable."
It could also be used during search and rescue operations in mines.
Lenny Naidoo of the eThekwini Municipality's fire department said the robot was an impressive start.
"At last we have people who are trying to make our work less dangerous."
Sapa
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