An officer from the water patrol detachment of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau demonstrates the remote controlled intelligent life buoy on Huangpu River on Tuesday. [Photo by Gao Erqiang/For chinadaily.com.cn]
The water patrol detachment of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau on Wednesday conducted a water rescue drill that featured new life-saving equipment – remote controlled intelligent life buoys and water rescue robots.
The bureau said that these devices would prove useful in rescue scenarios where the strength of the undercurrent is unknown or if there is low visibility.
The devices can also carry supplies, like ropes and life jackets.
According to Shu Jiayi, the leader of the water patrol detachment, the devices are powered by batteries that can sustain a charge for an hour.
"When people fall into water or are trapped in a flood, the police can rescue them faster by controlling these devices ashore or on a boat or a helicopter," said Shu.
The intelligent life buoys can bear a maximum weight of 250 kilograms, roughly equivalent to the weight of two or three adults, and travel at the speed of two meters per second.
An officer from the water patrol detachment of the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau demonstrates the remote controlled intelligent life buoy on Huangpu River on Tuesday. [Photo by Gao Erqiang/For chinadaily.com.cn]
If the buoys travel beyond the transmission range of 1 kilometer, they will automatically return to their original location.
The water rescue robot is an upgraded version of the intelligent life buoy. It can travel at a higher speed of 38 km per hour and be controlled across a range of 4 km.
The robot can carry four adults at the same time. People in the water can grab the ropes located on the sides of the robot or lie on it as they await rescue.
A GPS system and camera are installed in the front of the robot, providing rescuers with real time footage.
Yan Yong, leader of the water patrol detachment, said that the new equipment will come into service along the Huangpu River, Shanghai. He added that more life-saving equipment for water rescue are currently under research and development.
