At the 21st International Fire Safety Expo,South Korea, Hyundai Motor Group and the National Fire Agency unveiled a next-generation unmanned firefighting vehicle. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
DAEGU, May 29 (Korea Bizwire) — At the 2025 International Fire Safety Expo in Daegu, South Korea, Hyundai Motor Group and the National Fire Agency unveiled a next-generation unmanned firefighting vehicle, drawing significant attention for its autonomous precision and disaster-response capabilities.
The vehicle—developed by Hyundai Rotem and based on the multi-purpose unmanned platform HR-Sherpa—is designed to operate in high-risk environments such as underground parking lots where firefighter access is limited.
Outfitted with enhanced waterproofing, insulation, and an airless tire system to withstand extreme heat, the robot demonstrated its ability to adjust water spray angles with pinpoint accuracy, shooting up to 70 meters.
During its live demonstration on May 28, the vehicle navigated independently, activated thermal shielding systems, and issued siren alerts, prompting awe among spectators. Operators can remotely view real-time footage from cameras mounted across the vehicle to assess situations and determine the necessity of human firefighter deployment.
Baek Seung-doo, spokesperson for the National Fire Agency, confirmed the robot would be deployed by year-end to special rescue units under the Central 119 Rescue Headquarters in the capital region and central provinces, with operational use expected to begin in 2026.
On the afternoon of May 28, at the 21st International Fire Safety Expo held at EXCO in Buk-gu, Daegu, an unmanned firefighting vehicle jointly developed by the National Fire Agency and Hyundai Motor Group is being demonstrated. (Yonhap)
Alongside Hyundai’s innovation, Korean safety-tech firm iPop showcased a virtual firefighting training simulator that allows up to 10 firefighters to practice coordinated responses in digital recreations of high-risk environments like dormitories, malls, and factories.
Post-scenario debriefings help teams assess decision-making and improve real-world preparedness. The program is slated for rollout at the Central Fire Service Academy in 2026.
To address wildfire risks highlighted by a major blaze in the Yeongnam region in March 2024, domestic manufacturer Sehwa Motors also introduced a Korean-made, high-performance wildfire response truck.
Built on a military-grade Kia chassis, the vehicle can tackle slopes over 45 degrees and navigate rugged terrain, including forest paths, dirt roads, and sand.
The expo, running through May 30 at Daegu’s EXCO convention center, features 1,521 booths and includes participation from 427 organizations across 25 countries, underscoring Korea’s growing role in the global safety technology sector.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
