The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has developed a robot—SAFFiR—that can directly enter a fire scene to perform rescue missions. The liquid metal robot in the movie "Future Soldier" can come and go freely in high temperature and fire, but it is very difficult to build such a robot with todays technology. NRL engineers developed a high-temperature-resistant, lightweight polyetheretherketonephthalonitrile-like material that can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Celsius. Now, researchers are testing SAFFiRs skills in crossing obstacles, controlling water pipes, and lifting equipment. The second half will be fully tested aboard the decommissioned USS Shadwell. PS: SAFFiR stands for Shipboard Autonomous Firefighting Robot.
