A new quadruped-centaur rescue robot combines modular tools, remote operation and multiple safety systems to help emergency crews tackle hazardous disaster environments safely.
Satyress has unveiled Threehalves, a 6.5-foot-tall centaur-style rescue robot designed to undertake dangerous disaster response tasks that would otherwise put human workers at risk. Built for remote operation, the robot is intended to assist emergency teams by handling hazardous jobs such as wildfire control and searching collapsed buildings while operators remain at a safe distance.
Unlike conventional humanoid robots, Threehalves combines a humanoid upper body with a four-legged base. This hybrid design provides greater stability on uneven terrain while allowing the machine to use familiar handheld tools. Rather than relying on permanently fixed arms, the robot features a modular limb system that enables operators to quickly swap attachments, including chainsaws, drills and screwdrivers, depending on mission requirements.
The robot is operated entirely through a joystick-controlled remote interface, keeping emergency personnel away from unstable structures, active fire zones and other dangerous environments. According to Satyress, the project’s objective is not to replace skilled workers but to remove them from the most hazardous situations while allowing critical tasks to continue.
Safety has been integrated throughout the design. Operators can instantly halt the robot’s movement using a raised-palm gesture. If that electronic safeguard fails, Threehalves incorporates a pneumatic braking system powered by pressurised tanks mounted on its body. Activating the emergency braking mechanism physically locks the robot in place, providing a final layer of protection.
The modular design also simplifies maintenance, as tools consist of interchangeable sections that can be repaired or reconfigured in the field. This approach reduces downtime during demanding rescue operations where rapid equipment changes may be required.
Although Satyress has not announced pricing, commercial availability or regulatory approval timelines, Threehalves demonstrates how advanced robotics could improve disaster response by allowing first responders to perform high-risk operations remotely while significantly reducing threats to human safety.
