When disaster strikes, drones and robots can be sent into danger zones to scout for survivors. Created by a team of students at ETH Zurich, the Roboa is designed to snake through debris that blocks other solutions.
The “vine-like search and rescue robot” was developed as a student project in the Autonomous Systems Laboratory at ETH Zurich. Designed to assist rescue teams at the sites of natural disasters and war-torn areas, it propels itself forward like a snake and uses its sensor-filled head to pick up survivors trapped in the rubble. I’ll look for it.
Behind the head is an inflatable fabric tube connected to a supply box that not only fills Roboa’s body with pressurized air, but also contains further rolled up tubes along with computing power and supporting electronics. . The robot’s movement is controlled remotely with a camera providing live footage to the interface.
Early prototype air tubes were limited in length to 10 meters (33 feet) and were successful in locating trapped people when tested inside collapsed buildings. The team continues to refine and test it with the help of Swiss rescue services, and the current prototype is reported to be able to extend up to 100 meters (328 feet). Its diameter can also be adjusted pneumatically to suit mission needs, and this iteration is controlled using a hand-held wireless remote control.
Roboa for search and rescue
Designers say it can be equipped with a speaker and microphone combination to allow operators to communicate with survivors. There’s even talk that supply lines could be run through the rubble to deliver water, food, and medicine to where they’re needed.
Roboa’s head can be configured not only for search and rescue, but also for inspection missions, environmental monitoring, mapping, etc. This brave snakebot is unhindered by dirty or slippery surfaces and is claimed to have a greater reach than push cameras and similar technologies. Safe to use in situations where sparks may cause an explosion.
The student project was spun out to further develop the solution for market release. Thanks to the ETH Pioneer Fellowship Award, commercial launch is just around the corner. The startup’s co-founders will present the project at the Zurich Convention Center on November 21, as part of ETH Zurich’s 2024 Industry Days.
Snake that saves lives
Source: ETH Zurich, Loboa
