Two quadruped robots were officially deployed to the Qingdao Fire and Rescue Brigade in east China's Shandong Province, becoming the latest "teammates" in firefighting and rescue operations.
The quadruped robots, commonly known as "robot dogs," weigh approximately 70 kg per set, have a maximum movement speed of five meters per second, and can operate continuously for over three hours.
In addition to intelligent features such as autonomous standing after a fall and self-balancing, the robot dog can move freely in hazardous environments with thick smoke, high temperatures, and toxic gases.
Equipped with a rapid laser scanning system, the robot dog can transmit high-definition live footage in real time, enabling command personnel to conduct remote visual monitoring.
Besides, the robot dog is equipped with gas sensors for precise detection and real-time data transmission. Its dual-light gimbal can penetrate smoke and track heat sources, accurately capturing temperature distribution of both individuals and the environment, providing intelligent support for rescue operations.
"With this technology, we can assess disaster situations remotely, allowing us to develop more scientific and safer rescue plans. This will greatly enhance our command efficiency and accuracy," said Ling Ming, a firefighter with the Information and Communication Division of Qingdao Fire Rescue Brigade.
Robotic dogs join firefighting team to assist in operations in east China
A record number of Americans left the United States last year, with data from the Brookings Institution showing between 210,000 and 405,000 people voluntarily moved overseas, marking the first time in at least half a century that more departed than arrived.
For decades, the U.S. was seen as a place to pursue a better life, often called "The American Dream." But surveys suggest many now see their future elsewhere.
A Gallup poll found about 20 percent of Americans would like to move abroad, while the Association of American Residents Overseas estimates 5.5 million Americans were already living overseas in 2024, a figure that has since grown.
Jen Barnett, an expat planning coach, said that she had always wanted to live abroad. She moved to Merida, Mexico a decade ago.
"I knew that there was life beyond Huffman, Alabama, and I wanted to see what was out there. In 2016 after the [presidential] election, I said, okay, let's do this," she said.
In 2022 she co-founded Expatsi, a company that helps Americans relocate. She says interest has surged since U.S. President Donald Trump was elected to a second term in 2024.
"It is not as simple as one politician. I think it is the realization that the U.S. is not what we thought it was and a feeling that the social contract has been broken," she said.
Mexico remains the most common destination, followed by Canada. Increasingly, expats are also choosing Uruguay, Costa Rica and Panama in Latin America, as well as Germany and Portugal in Europe.
Many cite crime and gun violence at home, while seeking lower living costs and affordable healthcare abroad.
"The amount of money that you need to retire is millions in the U.S. to guarantee that you can have health care, god forbid you need assisted living, which might cost 10,000 or 15,000 U.S. dollars a month. In a place like Portugal, you could have full-time live-in care for 2,000 dollars a month," she said.
Remote work and technology have made relocation easier, though language barriers, cultural differences and bureaucracy remain challenges.
"Most of the challenges that you face are internal. I think people just need to see others doing it," she said.
Many expats hold visas or dual citizenship, but growing numbers are making the move permanent.
Before 2009, only 200 to 400 Americans renounced their citizenship each year. In 2025, that figure was just under 5,000, with a backlog of about 30,000 awaiting appointments to formally give up their U.S. citizenship.
Record number of Americans moving abroad amid rising cost and discontent
