Firefighting robots should be made responsibly

Firefighting robots have the potential to transform emergency response by operating in hazardous environments that pose extreme risks to firefighters. These so-called "firebots" can withstand extreme heat, smoke, and structural instability without fatigue. However, experienced firefighters rely on intuition, teamwork, and years of practice to navigate these dangers. Skepticism toward innovation in high-stakes environments is expected, and if poorly integrated, firebots could hinder rather than enhance safety. To ensure firebots complement rather than disrupt life-saving operations, we argue for a responsible design framework that aligns their development with firefighter values and decision-making processes.