It can take up to a week to rescue natural disaster survivors, can we be quicker?
It takes intl. aid too long to arrive after a natural disaster with search equipment
Once international aid arrives, it takes teams of rescuers hours to search through rubble with search devices. The process could be sped up with robotics so searching is quicker and more efficient and more lives are saved.
Timeline
0 - 24 hrs
Local rescue takes place and international aid gets to location within 24 hours.
24 - 48 hrs
Most aid and rescue teams have arrived and are beginning with relief efforts.
Survivors stuck under rubble are being looked for.
48 - 72 hrs
Aftershocks, gas leaks,and other natural hazard have most likely killed the survivors that haven’t been found yet.
4 + days
Those that haven’t been found are presumed dead in most cases, and bulldozing and reconstruction begin.
Current rescue tools
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Photo & Infrared cameras
Various camera technologies are used to find people in the rubble. Infrared cameras on sticks are ideal to find warmth.
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Sound & vibration sensors
Various sensors are used to measure sounds and vibrations coming from victims trapped in the rubble. Aftershocks can confuse these tools.
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Gas & co2 sensors
CO2 sensors are used to find traces of breath exhales and gas sensors are used to find gas leaks, incase victims are in danger of suffocation.
Robots provide a safer and quicker way for searching for survivors
Looking for survivors means navigating the rubble which can move and further injure survivors underneath.
Robots are able to be equipped with sensors and fit through small spaces. Robots have helped before but only arrived on the 3rd day when rescue efforts came to slow.
Research and IDeation into various rescue methods
T: Tank Robot (treads)
S: Snake Robot (multiple axis joints)
I: Insect Robot (multiple legs)
C: Camera Stick (human operated)
Key Features
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Camera & Flashlights
The main camera is used as a navigational tool through the rubble along with the help of flashlights.
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Infrared Camera
The infrared camera is used once a possible survivor is found to determine precise location and condition.
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Co2 sensor
The CO2 sensor is responsible for detecting exhalation from humans, and since it fits into small areas, detects these easier.
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Gas Sensor
The gas sensor is responsible for detecting gas leaks, incase these threaten survivors and need saving before others.
