Three mechanized 'water-discharging dragons' are utilized in Hong Kong to evacuate floodwater from 24 instances.
Mobile Pumping Robots Prove Their Worth in Hong Kong Flood Management
Hong Kong's "mobile powerful pumping robots," or "water-pumping dragons," have shown their effectiveness in managing floods during heavy rainfall events. On August 3, 2021, the city experienced its heaviest daily rainfall for August since 1884, and these robotic pumping units were deployed to help.
The Drainage Services Department and local authorities used four pumping robots, including three "water-pumping dragons" in Chinese, to tackle floods in various urban locations. The robots operated either in or near the flooded area, pumping water through tubes about 30cm (one foot) in diameter directly into nearby storm drains.
The "water-pumping dragons" were first used in Hong Kong in April 2021, and their capacity has impressed authorities. On August 3, each "water-pumping dragon" pumped up to 800 cubic metres (28,250 cubic feet) of water per hour, contributing to a combined capacity of approximately 2,500 cubic metres per hour – equivalent to an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
These smaller and more mobile pumping robots were deployed for the first time on August 3, 2021, and were used to drain at least 24 flooded locations across the city. The flooded areas included Pok Fu Lam, Mid-Levels, Admiralty, Kwun Tong, Sha Tin, Sai Kung, Tai Po, Tolo Harbour, Tsuen Wan, and Yuen Long.
The use of these "water-pumping dragons" has been seen as a promising technology for flood management in the city. Their ability to quickly reduce floodwater makes them valuable tools, particularly during intense rainfall events. The total cost of the robots was approximately HK$3 million (US$386,844), a worthwhile investment for the efficient management of floodwaters in Hong Kong.
In summary, these "mobile pumping robots" have proven to be effective flood management tools, particularly useful during intense rainfall events. Their growing deployment reflects recognition of their value in mitigating the impact of extreme weather-related flooding in Hong Kong.
- The effectiveness of Hong Kong's mobile pumping robots, popularly known as the "water-pumping dragons," in managing floods has led to increased interest in the application of artificial-intelligence and advanced technology in flood management.
- As the city continues to invest in technology for flood management, the deployment of larger gadgets such as these water-pumping robots could become more common, demonstrating the potential of artificial-intelligence in enhancing city infrastructure.
