Autonomous firefighting: Korea’s innovative approach to electric vehicle hazards

Date Oct 21, 2024

Firefighters extinguish a simulated electric vehicle fire during the 2024 Joint Fire Drill in Jungang-dong, Sejong. (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety)

Firefighters extinguish a simulated electric vehicle fire during the 2024 Joint Fire Drill in Jungang-dong, Sejong. (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety)


The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has spawned new safety challenges, particularly concerning fire hazards. EV fires, often involving lithium-ion batteries, are notoriously difficult to extinguish. To address this issue, the Korean government partnered with Hyundai Motor Group to develop a special unmanned firefighting robot for extinguishing EV fires in underground parking lots.


This initiative gained steam after an EV fire last August caused severe damage in Incheon’s Cheongna-dong neighborhood. Following the incident, Hyundai Motor Group offered to provide technology and equipment to the National Fire Agency through the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. After successful demonstrations, both parties agreed to jointly develop the unmanned firefighting robot as part of a broader EV fire safety management plan announced in early October.


Designed to be vehicle-mounted, the robot will be able to navigate challenging environments such as underground parking garages, where EV fires often occur. Fire and toxic fumes spread rapidly in confined spaces like these, posing significant dangers for human firefighters. As the robot is equipped with advanced sensors and autonomous driving capabilities, it can locate and suppress fires in hard-to-access areas. Instead of having to risk their lives, first responders can effectively fight a fire by controlling the robot from a safe distance.


A 3D-rendered image of an unmanned firefighting robot (Photo courtesy of the National Fire Agency)
A 3D-rendered image of an unmanned firefighting robot (Photo courtesy of the National Fire Agency)

Deployment of these robots is scheduled to begin next year. This advanced technology represents a significant improvement in fire safety management, particularly in densely populated cities with large underground parking complexes. The robots will be integrated into existing firefighting systems to ensure a coordinated emergency response.

The unmanned firefighting robots offer many benefits. They improve overall safety for both the public and emergency responders by minimizing direct exposure to fire hazards. In addition, they are expected to significantly reduce the time required to control and extinguish EV fires, which can otherwise last for extended periods due to the nature of lithium-ion batteries. Also, the collaboration between Hyundai Motor Group and the government highlights the growing emphasis on integrating cutting-edge technology into public safety efforts.

The joint development of these unmanned firefighting robots represents a proactive solution to the emerging challenge of EV fires. These robots will not only enhance firefighting capabilities but also set new safety standards for the growing number of EV users in Korea. Such innovation is critical to ensuring that safety infrastructure keeps pace with the increasing adoption of electric vehicles, ultimately protecting lives and property.


Source Indication(Type 1)

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's "Korea Here & Now" work can be used under the condition of "Public Nuri Type 1 (Source Indication)."

List