Battling blazes

Meet Anna Konda, a water-spewing robot snake that is being developed by Norwegian research company Sintef to assist rescue workers in situations that are too dangerous for humans. Sinteff initiated the "Snakefighter Project" in 2003 and built the 3-meter long demonstration unit that is capable of various forms of snake-like propulsion. It also can raise its head and spray water.

At left is an illustration of how finished devices would look fighting a fire.