China unveils AI-powered ‘flying lifebuoy’ for faster water rescues: What to know

China has reportedly introduced an AI-powered “flying lifebuoy” designed to assist with water rescues. It made its debut during a water rescue drill organized by police in Hangzhou, East China’s Zhejiang Province-a significant move as the city assesses various advanced tech options to improve emergency response in water accidents.

The report further emphasized that an orange lifebuoy took off from the shore during the drill, flew down and settled gently on the water surface. The device is officially called an AI intelligent flying rescue robot, designed to provide immediate assistance in open waters where emergency vessels could be delayed.

On social platform X, people have been sharing compelling reactions to current discoveries with one user writing, “This is badass and I like it. A very smart idea. I would think the buoy would have a tracker so units can arrive at the scene.”

Second remarked, “It's one of the few admirable things about China. Imagine if Apple came up with this idea - they'll probably patent it and sell it for $9999.”

The China AI-powered flying lifebuoy is equipped with a self-navigation system; it can fly to people in personal flotation devices and return automatically after completing its mission.

The drone searches and locates people in crucial need while the boat navigates independently to aid the rescue; moreover, the drone can also provide lighting for nighttime searches, according to the report.