US-built cryogenic firefighting robot uses liquid nitrogen to smother wildfires

A Northeastern University team led by Professor Yiannis Levendis built a tracked firefighting robot that uses liquid nitrogen to extinguish small wildfire hotspots.

The prototype is being tested on controlled forest fuels and is designed for remote or autonomous operation in dangerous terrain.

Unlike water drops or chemical retardants, the system aims to minimize water waste and avoid environmental runoff.

If it scales, the robot could reduce firefighter risk and offer a cleaner way to attack fires before they spread.