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Firefighting robots at Kolkata book fair thrill, and protect, visitors

Introduced in 2019, these robots are a firefighter’s best friend and a thing of wonder for onlookers

Shayeree Ghosh Published 09.03.22, 08:46 PM

The 45th International Kolkata Book Fair is well underway and is pulling big crowds to the Central Park mela ground in Salt Lake. But the 600+ book stalls, 200+ little magazines, food kiosks, or even the karaoke booth, aren’t the only crowd pullers.

One thing that has left the crowds astonished is the firefighting robot — a thing of wonder even for non-sci-fi fans.

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A venture by the Institute of Fire Service, under the aegis of the West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services, these robots are equipped to handle complicated fire-related emergencies.

The robots have become trusted helpers to the city’s firefighters

The robots have become trusted helpers to the city’s firefighters Ashim Paul

Launched at the Maidan in 2019, these machines, which look like a mix of a Pixar robot and the Mars Rover, have already become trusty tools for the city’s firefighters. “If our firemen cannot enter a place, we send in the robots. We also use them for rescue purposes as they are equipped with thermal imaging and night-vision cameras,” informed a senior fire department official.

So, whether you’re visiting the fair for books, food or just an adda, make sure to catch a glimpse of these two honourary firefighters.

A robot puts out a fire in New Barrackpore, in this file photo

A robot puts out a fire in New Barrackpore, in this file photo TT archives

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