Hyundai joins disaster drill with unmanned firefighting robot

May 22, 2026, 09:08 am

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An unmanned firefighting robot is deployed to extinguish a building fire. /Hyundai Motor Group

Hyundai Motor Group participated in the 2026 Safe Korea disaster response exercise using an unmanned firefighting robot previously donated to the National Fire Agency.

The drill was held at the Hyundai Motor and Kia Namyang R&D Center in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, the company said on May 22.

The Safe Korea exercise is a nationwide disaster preparedness program conducted under Article 34 of South Korea’s Framework Act on the Management of Disasters and Safety. It is organized by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety in cooperation with local governments and public institutions.

This year’s exercise was hosted by the city of Hwaseong and involved about 150 participants, including officials from Hwaseong City Hall, the Hwaseong Fire Station, the Hwaseong West Police Station and Hyundai Motor Group. The training simulated a complex disaster scenario involving building collapses caused by an earthquake, an electric bus fire and hazardous material leaks.

A firefighting robot donated by Hyundai in February was deployed during the exercise and entered a building at risk of collapse following the simulated earthquake. The robot carried out firefighting operations and assessed on-site conditions in areas considered too dangerous for human responders.

The unmanned robot incorporates advanced technologies including an autonomous driving assistance system, an AI-powered visibility enhancement camera, a high-pressure illuminated reel hose and a 6x6 in-wheel motor system.

The robot is designed to operate in hazardous environments where human access is difficult due to collapse risks, extreme heat, explosions, smoke or toxic gases.

A Hyundai Motor Group official said the exercise demonstrated how the unmanned firefighting robot could be used in real disaster response scenarios.

“We were able to confirm how the unmanned firefighting robot can be utilized in an actual disaster response training scenario,” the official said. “We will continue strengthening disaster response capabilities through active cooperation with related organizations to enhance public safety.”

#Hyundai Motor Group #Hyundai Motor #Kia #Hyundai Rotem #unmanned firefighting robot