The robots, called Guardian and Viewfinders, have been funded by the European Union and are in the final testing stages. They are able to navigate and search urban areas, such as warehouses and factories, during large-scale incidents. The machines have laser-range, radio signal and ultrasound sensors, which connect to a wireless ad-hoc network and forward data to a human operator and a control station.

Dr Jacques Penders from Sheffield Hallam Centre of Automation and Robotics Research claims the robots will be able to access accident scenes which are too dangerous for firefighters. He said: "The Guardians warn for toxic chemicals and provide mobile communication links with human firefighters. Viewfinders autonomously navigate through and inspect an area, but human operators can monitor their operations as well as control their movements if needed.

"The interface ensures the human firefighters get a good, relevant overview of the ground and the robots and human rescue workers inside."

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue station manager, Neil Baugh feels that the robots will be a great aid to traditional methods. He said: "Searching through industrial fires is time consuming and dangerous. Toxins may be present and human senses can be severely impaired, leading to disorientation."

The robots will be demonstrated at the opening ceremony of the Sheffield Hallam Centre of Automation and Robotics Research, on 22 January. Dr Jacques Penders from the centre says the robots will be able to access accident scenes which are too dangerous for firefighters. He said: "The Guardians warn for toxic chemicals and provide mobile communication links with human firefighters. Viewfinders autonomously navigate through and inspect an area, but human operators can monitor their operations as well as control their movements if needed.



"The interface ensures the human firefighters get a good, relevant overview of the ground and the robots and human rescue workers inside."