WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The Winston-Salem Fire Department has deployed a new robot designed to assist in underwater rescue and recovery operations.

Firefighters held a demonstration Tuesday to show how they use the Deep Trekker’s REVOLUTION ROV. The fire department recently bought the robot for more than $120,000 with federal funding. Their goal is to use it during emergency situations to rescue a person underwater as quickly as possible.

What You Need To Know

  • The fire department recently bought the robot for more than $120,000 with federal funding

  • The robot is equipped with cameras, lights and a clamp capable of withstanding 70 pounds of pressure

  • The robot can reach depths of up to 1,000 feet

“It's a big resource for us,” Capt. Barry Smith of the Winston-Salem Fire Department said. “Inside the city, I think there are 470 lakes or ponds. There are a lot of opportunities for people to have an emergency.” 

The robot is equipped with cameras, lights and a clamp capable of withstanding 70 pounds of pressure. Using a remote control, firefighters guide the robot through water. It can reach depths of up to 1,000 feet.

“We can actually upload GPS into the controller, and it'll actually be able to lock on and drop straight to wherever the victim is or whatever GPS location that we're given,” Smith said.

Once the robot locates an object in the water, firefighters can use the robot’s clamp to bring the object to the surface.

For years, the Winston-Salem Fire Department has relied on other fire departments' robots and dive teams to assist them in underwater rescue and recovery missions.

“It's always going to take a little time for someone else to be able to load up and get to our city,” Smith said. “If we're using someone from High Point or Greensboro, it takes time to get here. Having something here in the city, you know, will drastically reduce that time.”

Capt. Smith said having the REVOLUTION ROV available can be a life-saving tool in Winston-Salem.

“It's going to help us cut down response times and actually get to the victims quicker,” Smith said. “It's going to be a great asset to us.”

According to Deep Trekker, 13 agencies across the state use its robots, including the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, High Point Fire Department, Charlotte Fire Department and McDowell County Rescue Squad.