This Is Colossus: The Firefighting Robot That Helped Save Notre Dame
As the Notre Dame Cathedral fire raged, a surprising hero rose from the ashes. A small remote-controlled firefighting robot called Colossus drew quite a bit of attention.
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Colossus to the rescue
Controlled by the Paris Firefighter Brigade, the 1,100-pound robot helped save the cathedral. When it looked like Notre-Dame’s spire might collapse, Colossus came to the rescue.
Shark Robotics était fière d'appuyer les @PompiersParis dans le sauvetage de la cathédrale #Notre_dame_de_Paris avec le robot Colossus. Nous partageons l’immense tristesse qui habite aujourd’hui tous les Français. Crédits photos : @PompiersParis pic.twitter.com/uBmzWRDWr0
— SHARK ROBOTICS (@SharkRobotics) April 16, 2019
The robot is specifically made to endure the scorching fire conditions and carry out several tasks such as operating a fire hose or carrying wounded people to safety. It can carry more than 1,200 pounds of payload.
Its measurements are 5.25 feet long, 2.5 feet wide and a 2.5 feet tall. Colossus can be operated from almost 1,000 feet away. It is also waterproof and fire-resistant.
Le robot d’extinction d’incendie qu’ont utilisé les pompiers ?.#NotreDameDeParis pic.twitter.com/HQWrwG3Zjp
— Diego Calmard ✍? (@diegocalmard) April 16, 2019
It is not a fast robot. It can move at a maximum speed of 2.2 mph. However, it can climb over pretty much anything.
Colossus was made by French technology company Shark Robotics. "The Colossus is a universal technical support robot & modular designed for intervention in dangerous areas," says the website's description.
In the end, the fire was put out with no one being killed which is quite an impressive feat. We have Colossus to also thank for these efforts along with the brave work of the firefighters and other municipal workers who heroically fought the blaze.