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Search and rescue and disaster relief robots: has their time finally come?

Robert Bogue (Consultant, Okehampton, UK)

Industrial Robot

ISSN: 0143-991x

Article publication date: 21 March 2016

1060

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss search and rescue (SAR) and disaster relief robot developments, trials and applications and to answer the question posed in the title.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a short introduction, this first describes Integrated Components for Assisted Rescue and Unmanned Search operations, a recent, collaborative, European research project, and euRathlon, a major robotics competition. It then highlights the role of the centre for robot-assisted search and rescue, and provides examples of the deployment of terrestrial, marine and airborne robots in real SAR and disaster relief situations. It concludes with a brief discussion.

Findings

This shows that SAR and disaster relief robots are the topic of an extensive development effort, and many have performed well in simulated disaster scenarios. Terrestrial, marine and airborne robots have been used in many real disaster relief situations since 2001, and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles has proliferated due to recent technological developments. Robots now play an important role in supporting SAR teams, and this will certainly increase as the technologies are developed further.

Originality/value

In an era characterized by extreme weather events and continuing military conflicts, robots play an increasingly important role in supporting human disaster response teams. This article provides details of developments, trials and real-world deployments of such robots.

Keywords

Citation

Bogue, R. (2016), "Search and rescue and disaster relief robots: has their time finally come?", Industrial Robot, Vol. 43 No. 2, pp. 138-143. https://doi.org/10.1108/IR-12-2015-0228

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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