Articles tagged with "disaster-response"
New disaster-response robot hauls 330-lb across rubble to save lives
Researchers in Germany have developed ROMATRIS, an AI-supported semi-autonomous robot designed to aid disaster relief efforts by transporting heavy equipment—up to 150 kilograms (approximately 330 pounds)—across challenging and hazardous terrain inaccessible to conventional vehicles or stretchers. The project is a collaboration between the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) and the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW). ROMATRIS combines rugged mechanical design with advanced sensor technologies, including depth cameras, ultrasonic and laser sensors, and neural networks that enable gesture recognition and autonomous navigation. This allows emergency personnel to control the robot intuitively via hand gestures or remote control, or to set it to follow or shuttle modes for autonomous operation. The robot was tested extensively in field scenarios at THW training centers, with input from over 20 volunteers across 14 THW local associations, ensuring it meets real-world civil protection needs. The system demonstrated its capability to transport bulky equipment such as generators, pumps, and hoses across rough terrain
robotroboticsdisaster-responseAIautonomous-navigationgesture-recognitionemergency-servicesRobots to the rescue: miniature robots offer new hope for search and rescue operations - Robohub
The article discusses the development of miniature two-wheeled robots designed to assist search and rescue operations in disaster zones, particularly within the critical first 72 hours after events like earthquakes or explosions. These robots, developed through the EU-funded CURSOR project in collaboration with Japanese researchers from Tohoku University, aim to improve the speed and safety of locating survivors trapped under rubble. The key innovation is the Soft Miniaturised Underground Robotic Finder (SMURF), a compact, lightweight robot capable of navigating debris remotely, thereby reducing risks to human rescuers. SMURF is equipped with advanced sensors including video and thermal cameras, microphones for two-way communication, and a chemical sensor called the SNIFFER. This sensor detects human-emitted substances such as CO2 and ammonia and can distinguish between living and deceased individuals, providing critical information to rescue teams even in challenging environments with smoke or rain. The two-wheeled design was chosen after testing various alternatives for optimal maneuverability over rubble. The technology represents
robotssearch-and-rescuedisaster-responserobotics-technologyminiature-robotsemergency-technologyremote-operationPele microreactor core fabrication begins for 2028 military launch
The Pele microreactor, a 1.5-megawatt transportable nuclear reactor, has entered the core fabrication phase at BWX Technologies’ Innovation Campus in Lynchburg, Virginia. Designed for the U.S. Department of Defense Strategic Capabilities Office, the reactor aims to begin producing energy by 2028. Compact enough to fit into four 20-foot shipping containers, Pele is a gas-cooled system powered by TRISO fuel, a high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) that can withstand extreme heat and offers low environmental risk. It is intended primarily to power forward military bases but also has potential applications in disaster response and remote research stations, providing electricity for up to three years without refueling. BWXT is collaborating with key partners including Rolls-Royce, which is developing the power conversion module, and Northrop Grumman, responsible for the control module. The project began in 2016 after the Department of Defense identified a need for transportable power
energymicroreactornuclear-energymilitary-technologytransportable-powerdisaster-responseBWX-TechnologiesChina mirrors US' alien ship-like surveillance drone design
China has unveiled a new tail-sitter drone developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG), a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). This drone, showcased during a disaster response exercise in Sichuan province, features vertical takeoff and landing capabilities similar to the US military’s V-BAT drone, which it closely resembles in size and design. Powered by a single ducted fan engine, the drone can launch like a rocket, transition to horizontal flight, and land on its tail, enabling operations in rugged or remote areas without the need for runways. Its modular payload system supports various reconnaissance tools, including cameras and sensors, and can be adapted for different missions such as disaster relief. The drone is integrated with CAIG’s Wenyao control system, which employs artificial intelligence to automate flight planning, obstacle avoidance, and swarm coordination. This system allows for autonomous control of multiple drones simultaneously, facilitating drone swarming without human intervention. AVIC highlights the UAV’s affordability,
dronesurveillanceautonomous-systemsartificial-intelligenceroboticsUAVdisaster-responseKorea's humanoid robot goes full beast mode in tough pull-up test
The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) has released a new video demonstrating the impressive physical capabilities of its humanoid robot, ARMstrong Dex. This dual-arm, hydraulic-powered robot, roughly human-sized, successfully performed dead-hang pull-ups while carrying an additional 44-pound (20 kg) weight. The test was designed to evaluate joint torque, hydraulic performance, and mechanical stability—key factors for robots intended to operate in hazardous disaster zones where human responders face significant risks, such as radiation exposure or unstable structures. This demonstration builds on a previous showcase where the robot performed 88-pound (40 kg) arm curls, highlighting its strength beyond typical human limits. ARMstrong Dex aims to combine human-like dexterity with enhanced strength to perform complex tasks like climbing vertical ladders, hauling heavy equipment, and removing rubble in emergency scenarios. Its dual-arm hydraulic system enables both fine motor control and brute force, critical for manipulating valves, cutting pipes, or using fire-suppression tools in disaster relief or
robothumanoid-robotdisaster-responsehydraulic-powered-robotnuclear-decommissioningrobotic-strengthindustrial-roboticsVideo: Korean humanoid robot pulls off 88lbs bicep curls like a pro
The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) has developed a humanoid robot named ARMstrong Dex, designed primarily for disaster response and hazardous environments such as nuclear power plant dismantling. A recent video demonstration showcased the robot performing human-like bicep curls lifting approximately 88 pounds (40 kg) per arm, highlighting its strength, control, and mechanical stability. Although this test represents a fraction of its full lifting capacity—up to 441 pounds (200 kg) per arm—the exercise emphasizes the robot’s fine motor control and safe operation, crucial for handling delicate tasks in dangerous conditions. ARMstrong Dex is a human-sized, dual-arm hydraulic robot equipped with dexterous manipulators and caterpillar tracks for mobility across rough terrain. Its capabilities include manipulating valves, plugging cords, carrying debris, and operating tools such as spray guns, making it versatile for disaster relief and nuclear decontamination tasks. KAERI has licensed its technology to robotics firms for practical applications, and the robot serves as a research
robothumanoid-robotdisaster-responseheavy-lift-robothydraulic-robotnuclear-decommissioningrobotics-safetyFrom surveillance to public service: the rise of drone swarms
The article discusses the evolving role of drone swarms from primarily surveillance tools to vital assets in civil protection and public service. As climate-related disasters increase and urban environments become more complex, drone swarms—autonomous aerial systems capable of decentralized collaboration and real-time adaptation—offer faster, smarter, and more reliable responses to crises. The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi is at the forefront of this innovation, developing AI-driven drone swarms that mimic natural behaviors to self-organize and perform tasks such as searching for survivors, mapping hazards, and assessing infrastructure damage during emergencies. Beyond disaster response, these swarms also support crisis prevention by monitoring traffic, air quality, and structural integrity in smart cities, aligning with digital governance goals like resilience and sustainability. TII’s work is closely tied to the UAE’s AI Strategy 2031, emphasizing ethical AI development and positioning drone swarms as tools for public good rather than surveillance or militarization. Despite their potential, public perception remains a challenge,
robotautonomous-dronesdrone-swarmsAIsmart-citiesdisaster-responsepublic-safetyNhững công nghệ tiên tiến ứng phó thiên tai ở Trung Quốc
robotUAVdisaster-responsesatellite-technologyAIemergency-managementChina