{"id":96113,"date":"2026-10-28T18:54:33","date_gmt":"2026-10-28T10:54:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=96113"},"modified":"2026-10-28T18:54:33","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T10:54:33","slug":"scdf-trials-new-robotic-firefighter-to-handle-ev-fires","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=96113","title":{"rendered":"SCDF trials new robotic firefighter to handle EV fires"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"text-primary article-summary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">SINGAPORE \u2013 <!-- -->The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has launched a car-size robot to deal with electric vehicle (EV) fires, as figures showing its popularity among car buyers continue to climb.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The vehicle extrication robot (VXR) will allow firefighters to move an affected EV, which is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/scdf-advises-drivers-to-keep-a-fire-extinguisher-in-their-vehicles?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"inline font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"typography-test-id\">at risk of reigniting after a fire has been extinguished<\/span><\/a>, to a safe spot as they continue their work.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Announcing the launch on Oct 28, Second Minister for Home Affairs Sim Ann noted that EVs accounted for more than 60% of new vehicle registrations in Singapore in the first half of 2026.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Adding that their adoption will continue to grow, she said: \u201cThis introduces new challenges for firefighters.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cLithium-ion batteries can undergo thermal runaway, and affected vehicles may remain at risk of reignition even after a fire has been extinguished.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">A thermal runaway occurs when an uncontrollable chain reaction causes intense heat to be released, which results in more materials being ignited.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Sim said the robot is being introduced as SCDF strengthens its EV response capabilities through research and burn tests to develop new fire safety regulations and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/ai-humanoid-robots-to-be-deployed-with-home-team-officers-by-2028-edwin-tong?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"inline font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"typography-test-id\">operational procedures<\/span><\/a>, supported by specialised equipment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Speaking at the Singapore-International Disaster &amp; Emergency Management Expo, held at the Singapore Expo, Sim said the VXR can remotely move an affected vehicle to a safer location from up to 300m away, giving responders a safer distance from the vehicle during recovery operations.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The robot, which runs on tracks, moves a vehicle by lifting the front wheels. It also blankets the car with water.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The VXR will start operational trials at Punggol Fire Station from October <!-- -->2026 <!-- -->and Kallang Fire Station from April 2027.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Sim also announced at the event, which <!-- -->sees<!-- --> 48 international partner agencies participating in 2026 compared with 32<!-- --> last year<!-- -->, that SCDF has strengthened its emergency medical services with a new-generation ambulance designed as a future-ready mobile clinical workspace.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"landscape inline-media-wrapper\" data-testid=\"inline-media-test-id\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-start relative w-fit\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/43f9c7872e2c798b426c6e5925e639c0f28e6d4a7b1c3b988988ab6a2b77362a?w=480\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 720px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/43f9c7872e2c798b426c6e5925e639c0f28e6d4a7b1c3b988988ab6a2b77362a?w=720\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 721px and max-width: 3999px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/43f9c7872e2c798b426c6e5925e639c0f28e6d4a7b1c3b988988ab6a2b77362a?w=900\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 4000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/43f9c7872e2c798b426c6e5925e639c0f28e6d4a7b1c3b988988ab6a2b77362a\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/43f9c7872e2c798b426c6e5925e639c0f28e6d4a7b1c3b988988ab6a2b77362a\" alt=\"Second Minister for Home Affairs Sim Ann, accompanied by SCDF commissioner Eric Yap (right), watching a demonstration of the capabilities of the new generation ambulance.\" class=\"aspect-landscape flex items-start shrink-0 object-cover landscape article-landscape mobile:w-auto tablet:w-auto\" data-testid=\"image-test-id\" loading=\"lazy\" fetchpriority=\"auto\"\/><\/picture><\/div><figcaption class=\"mobile:mx-16 tablet:mx-00 pt-08 pb-16\">\n<p class=\"inline text-secondary font-secondary-captions-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"inline-media-caption-test-id\">Second Minister for Home Affairs Sim Ann, accompanied by SCDF Commissioner Eric Yap (right), watching a demonstration of the capabilities of the new-generation ambulance.<\/p>\n<p class=\"inline text-tertiary font-secondary-captions-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"inline-media-credit-test-id\"> <!-- -->ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Ove<!-- -->r th<!-- -->ree days, <!-- -->more than<!-- --> 650 participants from 45 countries will collaborate to exchange knowledge, showcase capabilities and forge partnerships at the event.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Sim shared that the Ministry of Home Affairs and the <!-- -->Cabinet Office of Japan<!-- --> will also deepen cooperation in disaster management technologies and strengthen the exchange of knowledge in disaster management policies, frameworks and best practices.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The event features 103 exhibitors from eight countries showcasing the latest technologies, products and services in disaster management.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Among the exhibits are breathing apparatus systems, protective gear for firefighters and a firefighting drone from South Korea that tackles fires in tall apartment buildings.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"landscape inline-media-wrapper\" data-testid=\"inline-media-test-id\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-start relative w-fit\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/913096c8d5b18175a447a82dc84e06c63b6c48da2feaca0a7bf9cc706c5b9c25?w=480\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 720px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/913096c8d5b18175a447a82dc84e06c63b6c48da2feaca0a7bf9cc706c5b9c25?w=720\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 721px and max-width: 3999px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/913096c8d5b18175a447a82dc84e06c63b6c48da2feaca0a7bf9cc706c5b9c25?w=900\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 4000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/913096c8d5b18175a447a82dc84e06c63b6c48da2feaca0a7bf9cc706c5b9c25\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/913096c8d5b18175a447a82dc84e06c63b6c48da2feaca0a7bf9cc706c5b9c25\" alt=\"A fire-fighting drone at the booth of South Korea\u2019s SG Safety Corporation.\" class=\"aspect-landscape flex items-start shrink-0 object-cover landscape article-landscape mobile:w-auto tablet:w-auto\" data-testid=\"image-test-id\" loading=\"lazy\" fetchpriority=\"auto\"\/><\/picture><\/div><figcaption class=\"mobile:mx-16 tablet:mx-00 pt-08 pb-16\">\n<p class=\"inline text-secondary font-secondary-captions-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"inline-media-caption-test-id\">A firefighting drone at the booth of South Korea\u2019s SG Safety Corporation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"inline text-tertiary font-secondary-captions-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"inline-media-credit-test-id\"> <!-- -->ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<center><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/courts-crime\/scdfs-trials-new-robotic-firefighter-to-handle-ev-fires\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read Full Article At Source <\/a><br \/>\n<center\/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SINGAPORE \u2013 The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has launched a car-size robot to deal with electric vehicle (EV) fires, as figures showing its popularity&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":96114,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2611],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-96113","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buzz-headlines","wpcat-2611-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/96113","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=96113"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/96113\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/96114"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=96113"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=96113"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=96113"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}