China has added an AI-powered “flying lifebuoy” to its water rescue toolkit, with the technology recently demonstrated during a police-organised rescue drill in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.
The device, officially described as an AI intelligent flying rescue robot, is designed to provide rapid assistance to people in distress in open water where conventional rescue boats may take longer to reach.
Flying lifebuoy reaches person in water
During the drill, an orange lifebuoy took off from the shore and flew towards a person who had fallen into the water. It landed on the water’s surface and remained stable even after the person climbed onto it.
After rescuers reached the person and brought them to safety, the device reportedly took off again and automatically returned to its original location.
The system uses autonomous navigation to locate and reach people in distress, provide buoyancy support and return after completing the rescue operation.
Drones and unmanned boats also tested
The Hangzhou drill featured several technology-based rescue methods.
Drones were used to drop inflatable lifebuoys over people in distress. The lifebuoys quickly inflated after hitting the water, providing temporary support while rescue teams approached.
Another system combined an unmanned boat and drone. The drone searches for and locates people requiring assistance, while the unmanned boat autonomously navigates towards them.
The drone can also provide lighting during nighttime search operations, according to the report.
Technology aimed at saving lives
The demonstration is part of efforts to use intelligent technology to improve emergency response during water accidents.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian highlighted the flying rescue device in a social media post on August 14, describing it as technology that could help save lives.
The development reflects the growing use of autonomous systems and AI-assisted technology in emergency response, particularly in situations where sending human rescuers immediately could pose additional risks.