An intriguing article about the fire that occurred last week at a tire recycling plant in Hoopeston, Illinois, highlights an unusual and innovative response from Purdue University’s fire department.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) – Firefighters battling a blaze on Wednesday at a tire recycling facility in Hoopeston, Illinois, received some unexpected support from Purdue University’s fire department and its unique robotic companion.
The call for help came early Wednesday morning when the Champaign Fire Department reached out to Purdue Fire Chief Kevin Ply, requesting assistance at J&R Used Tire Service in Hoopeston.
What followed was anything but ordinary.
“Some of the firefighters, both volunteer and career, were initially skeptical,†said Ply. “But once we deployed the robot inside the building, they saw how effective it was in controlling the fire. It made a real difference.â€
Ply, along with two other Purdue firefighters, brought their prototype firefighting robot to the scene. The robot was deployed into a high-risk area where part of the building had already collapsed — a location too dangerous for human firefighters.
“This was a place we couldn’t send our people,†Ply explained. “But the robot could go in and make a significant impact.â€
Eric Dietz, a professor in Purdue’s College of Technology, is working with a Korean company to develop the robot. He emphasized the value of the real-world test the fire department provided.
“This is exactly what researchers hope for,†Dietz said. “It’s not just about theory — it’s about seeing how the technology performs under pressure. We got valuable feedback and identified areas for improvement.â€
Ply reported that the robot operated for nearly four hours, draining the battery completely. However, there are now some software glitches causing the hose to activate unexpectedly.
“We’re providing this feedback to the researchers so the next version can be even better,†he added.
Dietz also noted that this collaboration could lead to broader economic opportunities. “The Koreans weren’t just interested in research — they wanted to explore potential partnerships and even consider setting up a company here.â€
Despite the challenges, Ply remains optimistic. He mentioned that future improvements will focus on faster battery charging and the ability to replace batteries on-site — essential features for real-world use.
This incident not only showcased the potential of robotics in emergency response but also highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia and industry.
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