[KBS Chuncheon] [Anchor]

Firefighters often live with the risk of accidents and injuries.

This is because various incidents and accidents, such as fires, are not only dangerous but also extremely physically exhausting.

Equipment that will help reduce this risk, the so-called 'wearable robot', has been introduced to the Gangwon Fire Department.

This is reporter Cho Hyo-yeon reporting.

[Report]

Repeatedly lifting and putting down a large box.

The box weighs 20 kilograms.

It's just too heavy to lift.

But now, it can be lifted easily without much effort.

Thanks to wearable robots, 'wearable robots'.

[Gong Hyeon-cheol/Director of a wearable robot development company: "When a forest fire breaks out, you have to bend your back for about 6 to 7 hours to build a defense line. If you wear our product, it can reduce your back muscle strength by about 30%."]

The 'wearable robot' is composed of a 'spine support and battery box' worn on the back, a 'lumbar case' that supports the waist, and a 'femur joint' on the thigh.

Each part works in response to the user's movements, supporting the bones and muscles and also building strength.

This is a newly introduced piece of equipment.

It's significantly lighter than it was during the development phase.

It's easy to hold with one hand.

By wearing this robot, you can lift up to 15 kg more weight.

It can be used continuously for up to 8 hours at a time.

In Gangwon-do, 31 units were distributed to Chuncheon Fire Station and the Hwandonghae Special Response Team.

[Kim Su-hoon/Emergency Mobile Unit, Hwandonghae Special Response Team: "I think it will be of great help in reducing the physical fatigue of team members in long-term suppression activities, mountain rescue activities, and activities involving heavy loads."]

Gangwon Fire Department plans to run a pilot operation of the equipment until March next year and then decide whether to expand its introduction.

This is Cho Hyu-yeon from KBS News.

Cameraman: Lee Jang-ju

Cho Hyu-yeon (dakgalbi@kbs.co.kr)