Robotic rescue boat to replace lifeguards

An aquatic robot put into use recently in Hefei, Anhui province, is expected to protect people from drowning and replace dozens of human lifeguards.

The robot, believed to be China's first unmanned speedboat, was officially launched in Tian'e Lake on July 3 after months of trials.

The boat, which is 2.8 meters long, is equipped with cameras, infrared sensors and acoustic sensors to detect "moving targets" in the water, according to Zhang Bao, deputy general manager of Anhui CAS-Huacheng Intelligent Technology, a company affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Hefei Institute of Physical Science.