Robotic fire-fighting systems using advanced fire suppression technologies with Russian priority

Introduction. Fire suppression systems are stationary technical means designed for fire extinguishing. Their evo- lution relies on the general level of technological development. At present, automatic fire suppression systems (AFSS) are most widely used; they include sprinkler AFSSs, patented in 1864 by Harrison, UK, as well as new robotic fire suppression systems (RFSS). The purpose of the article is to analyze the trends in the development of fire extinguishing systems, and substantiate Russia’s priority in the development of advanced fire extinguishing technologies on the basis of robotic fire suppression systems (RFSS).Fire suppression systems: from manually operated to robotic ones. Sprinkler fire extinguishing has significant drawbacks; they are low sensitivity and high inertia. Fire monitors are among the main most powerful means of firefighting. Fires are extinguished by firefighters who are in extreme life-threatening environments. The issue of replacing a person during fire extinguishing was studied. Mobile firefighting robots appear in many countries. In practice, stationary firefighting robots are widely used. The first stationary firefighting robot was invented in Russia in 1984 to protect the Kizhi Museum. It was also applied to liquidate the consequences of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. The first RFSS was introduced at the Leningrad NPP in 1989. Acting in close cooperation with the VNIIPO EMERCOM of Russia, FR Engineering Centre conducted research to improve the design and control system, establish the regulatory framework for the RFSS. As a result, Russia has become the first country in the world where a new type of automatic fire extinguishing systems, or robotic fire suppression systems, was introduced by the law. RFSS requirements are established by the Federal law No. 123-FZ, GOST R and Codes of Practice. Russia’s priority right for the invention of RFSS is protected by a number of patents.Conclusions. In our country, long-term research and development have been carried out to design new fire extin- guishing technologies named robotic fire suppression systems. Regulatory and technical frameworks have also been established, and a firefighting robot plant has been built. Now new fire extinguishing technologies, involving firefighting robots, are widely spread; they protect thousands of significant facilities of the country.