Hyundai firefighting robot engineered for 1,472 degrees Fahrenheit

Hyundai Motor Company, in collaboration with Kia, Hyundai Rotem, Hyundai Mobis, and South Korea’s National Fire Agency, unveiled an advanced Unmanned Firefighting Robot designed to operate safely in extreme fire conditions up to 1,472°F (800°C). Officially introduced on February 24, 2026, and donated to the National Fire Agency, the robot is built on the HR-SHERPA unmanned vehicle platform originally developed for military use. It features a self-spraying water-cooling system and specialized insulation to protect its battery and control systems from high heat. Equipped with AI-enhanced infrared thermal imaging, remote control capabilities, and a high-pressure firefighting hose with photoluminescent properties, the robot can navigate complex, hazardous environments with low visibility, extinguish fires directly, and assist firefighters by identifying entry and escape routes. Beyond fire suppression, the robot functions as a “Physical AI” platform that collects and digitizes data from disaster scenes to improve