The special robot base of Hebei-based CITIC HIC Kaicheng Intelligence Equipment Co Ltd in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province will be put into operation in August, local media reported on July 13.

The base integrates the research and development, assembly, as well as sales of special robots, which are mainly used for fire fighting, emergency rescue, maritime work, and the petroleum and petrochemical industries.

"Special robots have been widely used in various fields," said Han Lei, general manager of CITIC HIC's Zhoushan base. "Zhoushan has a large number of oil depots and oil tanks, and such an explosive or flammable environment is very suitable for the use of robots."

According to Han, it is the prosperous oil and gas, maritime, as well as shipbuilding industries in Zhoushan that attracted CITIC HIC to establish a base in the city in 2019.

The base can add customized equipment to the robot according to the different demands of clients.

The explosion-proof rail-mounted patrol robot developed by the base is mainly used by petrochemical companies. As the robot is capable of testing heat sources, analyzing voice frequency, and detecting environment, it can replace humans for patrolling purposes.

Han also revealed that CITIC HIC's Zhoushan base plans to establish an emergency rescue system consisting of special robots to ease the pressure of fire fighters on Zhoushan's small islands.

Founded in 1991, CITIC HIC Kaicheng Intelligence Equipment Co Ltd has grown into a leading company in China in special robots and smart equipment. The company has established three R&D centers in Tangshan, Beijing, and Hangzhou.