At a petrol station fire, the first responder might soon be a tracked robot rather than a human firefighter. Developed in Uzbekistan, this remotely operated prototype can approach the flames and direct a water cannon from a safe distance of 500 to 800 metres, keeping emergency crews out of the most dangerous zones.
The robot was one of the innovations presented at InnoWeek 2026 in Tashkent, where researchers, companies, and students gathered to showcase solutions for industrial safety, agricultural productivity, and energy efficiency. The event underscored a broader ambition: to move from prototypes to commercial production and international sales.
Firefighting robot aims for affordability
The tracked vehicle, developed with the Ministry of Emergency Situations, is designed to withstand temperatures of at least 500°C, with a metal-track version intended to endure up to 1,000°C. The team is also integrating artificial intelligence to automate the water cannon's control. A patent application has been filed, though the project remains at the prototype stage.
Qudratjon Yusupov, a doctor of economics involved in the project, told Euronews that similar robots exist in China, Europe, and South Korea, but they are prohibitively expensive. The Uzbek prototype is estimated to cost around €8,100, compared to roughly €15,300 for a comparable Chinese model. The developers see petrol and gas filling stations as potential customers and are exploring exports to neighbouring Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
Drones for agriculture and emergency response
Sahro Drone Industry, an Uzbek manufacturer known for military drones, is branching into civilian applications. At InnoWeek, the company presented a multipurpose drone capable of carrying up to 50 kilograms, which can be adapted for agricultural spraying or firefighting by swapping its platform and tank.
In agriculture, these drones can distribute fertilisers and treatments over mature crops, reducing the need for tractors that might damage the plants. Shavkat Quchqorov, a specialist at the company, said that around 90% of production is for military purposes, with the remaining 10% dedicated to agriculture, emergency response, and other civilian uses. He added that the company currently produces 14 types of military drones, with about 70% of components localised.
Sahro Drone Industry plans to begin exporting drones in 2027, with annual production potentially reaching around 100 larger drones and up to 60,000 smaller models, depending on demand.
Universities turn student ideas into products
Students at Kimyo International University in Tashkent have developed a tree-shaped installation that combines solar panels and small wind turbines to generate electricity for outdoor lighting and security cameras, complete with battery storage. The university estimates that a finished unit could cost about $2,000 to manufacture, with a potential selling price of $2,200 to $2,500.
Ulugbek Vosikov, vice-rector for strategic development and digitalisation, explained that the university acts as the first customer for student projects. Under this model, the university funds selected projects, purchases the resulting products for campus use, and reinvests the revenue into its research and development centre.
Meanwhile, students at Turin Polytechnic University in Tashkent have built a 250-kilogram electric vehicle designed for energy-efficiency competitions. The Cosmos Innovation team reports an energy consumption of just 0.6 kilowatt-hours per 10 kilometres, and they hope to compete in the 2027 Shell Eco-marathon in the United States.
Bridging the gap between research and industry
While the projects demonstrate a range of domestic engineering talent, turning inventions into widely used commercial products remains a challenge. Georg Guggenberger, a professor at Leibniz University Hannover in Germany, stressed the need for closer collaboration between scientists, innovators, and businesses to connect research with practical applications.
Uzbekistan's Agency for Innovative Development is working to strengthen these links through spin-off companies and research co-funding programmes. The push comes as the country seeks to diversify its economy and tap into regional markets, a goal that resonates beyond Central Asia. As Europe grapples with its own energy transition and industrial innovation, the developments in Tashkent offer a glimpse of how emerging economies are approaching similar challenges.
