AI, robotics dominate China's emergency management expo

Technological advancements in unmanned equipment, artificial intelligence, and robotics are playing an increasingly important role in disaster prevention, mitigation, and relief, as highlighted at a recent exhibition in Beijing.

The 2025 China International Emergency Management Exhibition, held from Tuesday to Thursday under the theme "Technology Empowerment, Smart Emergency Response", brought together more than 300 leading organizations to showcase the latest technological achievements and equipment in emergency management.

Xu Jia'ai, vice-minister of emergency management, said, "We will accelerate the modernization of our emergency management system and capabilities, work together with the international community to promote people's well-being, strengthen exchanges and cooperation, and join hands to address risks and challenges."

The exhibition, hosted by the International Exchange and Cooperation Center of the Ministry of Emergency Management, featured technologies including AI emergency response systems, autonomous drones, robotic arms, and robotic dogs, some designed to address extreme disaster scenarios, such as disruptions to the internet, power, and road access.

A key focus of the exhibition was on small, fast, light, and intelligent equipment. Li Hongbo, industry application solutions engineer at DJI, the drone manufacturer, explained, "In disasters such as floods or mudslides, emergency departments can deploy DJI drones like the Matrice 4D and Matrice 4TD that can fly autonomously for modeling, mapping, and broadcasting evacuation messages."

Li also highlighted how the affordability of DJI's aerial surveying LiDAR technology with a 100-megapixel camera enables intelligent emergency management at the grassroots level. "It allows for accurate data collection and analysis, improving the efficiency of emergency rescue by recreating disaster scenes," he said.

Robotic arms developed by U.Protec (Shenzhen) Tech Co can also replace manual labor in high-risk rescue operations. Chen Lei, product manager from the company, explained, "These remotely controlled robotic arms perform hazardous rescue tasks while keeping operators safe. Engineers control the arm through a system, and the robotic hand mimics their movements to carry out dangerous operations remotely."

The exhibition additionally showcased high-precision, specialized, and advanced equipment. Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group presented a multifunctional emergency rescue fire truck capable of lifting 1.5 metric tons.

"The truck is designed for use in earthquakes, mudslides, and other emergencies," said Yin Xiangdong, technical support engineer at XCMG. "It has already been deployed in real disaster scenarios and exported to countries in Central and Southeast Asia."