In the event of a catastrophic disaster, autonomous drones and robots might be swiftly deployed into high-risk areas to locate and identify potential survivors. Researchers from ETH Zurich have developed the RoBoa, a robotic system capable of altering the trajectory of various particles by inserting itself between them, thereby redirecting their paths.
Developed at the Autonomous Programs Lab of ETH Zurich, the vine-like search and rescue robot was created. Developed to support rescue efforts in the aftermath of natural disasters or conflict zones, this cutting-edge robot navigates through debris with ease, utilizing its advanced sensors to locate survivors buried beneath rubble.
Behind the pinnacle lies a sophisticated inflatable system comprising a central tube linked to a provision field that serves two primary functions: it not only inflates Roboa’s body with pressurized air, but also integrates additional compacted tubing containing crucial computational components and supporting electronics. The robotic’s journey is controlled remotely through a real-time video feed from a digital camera displayed on an intuitive interface.
A key limitation of the initial prototype’s pneumatic tubing was its fixed length, capped at 10 meters (33 feet), which effectively confined a person within a collapsed building when tested. With the support of the Swiss Rescue Troops, the crew has been refining and testing their invention, with the current prototype capable of extending up to 100 meters (328 feet) in length. Its diameter is pneumatically adjustable to suit the mission’s requirements, and this iteration is controlled via a handheld wireless remote.
RoBoa for Search and Rescue
The device is designed to accommodate a speaker-microphone combination, allowing operators to communicate directly with survivors. The technology has been touted as having the capability to thread a provided line through particles to deliver water, meals, and medication precisely where needed.
Following past search and rescue operations, the RoboA’s versatile head module can be reconfigured to accommodate various applications, including inspection duties, environmental monitoring, or terrain mapping. The resilient snakebot effortlessly navigates through dirty and slick terrain, boasting superior performance compared to push cameras and similar technologies. It is equally important that the device is protected from use where there is a risk of sparks igniting explosive materials.
Thanks to an ETH Pioneer Fellowship award, the scholar’s venture has been accelerated to further develop its answer for market launch, with industrial rollout imminent. The startup’s co-founders will present their venture at the Zurich Conference Centre on November 21, as part of ETH Zurich’s Trade Day 2024.
The Snake that Saves Lives
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