Phuket police station pilots Thailand’s first Dolphin AI water-rescue robot
The autonomous robot, deployed at Cherng Talay Police Station, can work with CCTV and sensors to detect incidents and move towards people in danger without waiting for an officer’s command.
Thailand’s first Dolphin autonomous AI water-rescue robot has been launched at Cherng Talay Police Station in Phuket as a pilot project aimed at improving emergency response in coastal areas.
The robot was provided through a partnership between Shanghai-based ZBHA International Limited and Super Guard Security Co. It is designed to work with artificial intelligence, CCTV cameras and detection sensors. When the system identifies an abnormal situation, such as a person appearing to drown, Dolphin can be deployed and travel towards the person without waiting for an officer’s command.
According to the companies, the robot can travel on the water’s surface at up to 7 metres per second and carry a maximum load of 1,000 kilograms. It is designed to reach people in danger quickly, help control their route back to shore and connect with a monitoring network for real-time situational tracking.
Two models are available. Dolphin1 is a portable unit that can be thrown into the water and used immediately, while Dolphin3 is designed to connect fully with AI platforms, surveillance systems, cameras and sensors.
Cherng Talay police said their area covers a large coastal zone and had previously recorded an average of about 12 drowning deaths a year. Patrols using all-terrain vehicles and lifeguard teams, carried out with Cherng Talay subdistrict administrative organisation, reduced the number of deaths to zero last year, according to the report.
Police said the robot could help address risks in areas affected by strong currents, where rescuers may also face danger. The longer-term aim is to connect Dolphin with CCTV and detection systems so it can support water-safety monitoring around the clock.
The companies plan to provide another robot to Pattaya City Municipality the following week and expand the programme to all 11 police stations in Phuket and other major tourist destinations. Patong Beach is identified as one of the next target areas.
