Articles tagged with "disaster-response"
Japan's $70 tech turns smartphones into nuclear radiation detectors
Researchers at Hiroshima University have developed an affordable, portable radiation dosimetry system that transforms a smartphone into an on-site radiation detector, enabling immediate dose assessments after nuclear or radiological incidents. The system integrates a small piece of Gafchromic EBT4 radiochromic film—which changes color upon radiation exposure—with a foldable, battery-powered scanner and a smartphone camera. Users scan the film and analyze the color change via mobile image-processing apps, allowing measurement of radiation doses up to 10 Gray. While not as precise as professional desktop scanners, this setup balances accuracy with accessibility and costs under $70, making it suitable for rapid, individual dose assessments in mass-casualty or disaster scenarios where traditional lab methods are impractical. This innovation aligns with Japan’s evolving energy strategy, as the country cautiously re-embraces nuclear power to meet rising energy demands and climate goals. Japan aims to increase nuclear energy’s share of electricity from about 9% in 2024 to roughly 20%
IoTradiation-detectionsmartphone-technologynuclear-safetyenergy-monitoringportable-sensorsdisaster-responseThe 10 top government, legal startups from Disrupt Startup Battlefield
TechCrunch’s annual Startup Battlefield competition selects the top 200 startups from thousands of applicants, with 20 finalists competing for a $100,000 prize. Among the 200 selectees, several government and legal tech startups stood out for their innovative approaches to pressing societal challenges. These include Aparti, which uses AI to automate legal intake forms specifically for family law and divorce cases, and Bot Mediation, which applies AI to streamline legal dispute resolution. JustiGuide, recognized as the winner of the policy and protection pitch stage, connects immigrants with lawyers to simplify the complex immigration process. Other notable startups focus on public safety, disaster response, and environmental protection. Ascender developed a robot capable of climbing poles to assist in humanitarian and disaster relief efforts, while Ponderosa AI uses drones to detect and control small fires, addressing wildfire risks exacerbated by climate change. Shothawk AI created a device that tracks and subdues active shooters with pepper gel, aiming to reduce gun violence in public spaces
robotAIdronesdisaster-responsepublic-safetyspatial-computingolfactory-technologyNew quantum method lets drones, robots talk in 'signal lost' zones
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a novel quantum communication method enabling AI-driven machines—such as drone swarms and robotic teams—to coordinate and share information without transmitting traditional signals. This approach leverages quantum entanglement, a phenomenon where pairs of qubits remain interconnected so that changes to one instantly affect the other, regardless of distance, without sending signals through space. The team created a framework called entangled quantum multi-agent reinforcement learning (eQMARL), where each agent holds entangled qubits and modifies them based on environmental interactions. Other agents detect these changes locally, allowing coordination without direct data exchange, which is especially valuable in environments where communication is unreliable or jammed, such as disaster zones. Testing showed that eQMARL outperforms classical AI and non-entangled quantum methods in limited-communication scenarios, offering promising applications for coordinating autonomous systems in “signal lost” zones like wildfire management or search-and-rescue operations. Despite its potential for ultra-secure communication that bypasses conventional networks
roboticsdronesquantum-communicationAImulti-agent-systemsquantum-entanglementdisaster-responseGermany's solar wastewater system cuts pollution 90% in disasters
A research team at the Technical University of Central Hesse (THM) in Germany is testing a compact, solar-powered wastewater treatment system designed for disaster and emergency scenarios where infrastructure and power are compromised. The pilot plant, deployed at the Lollar wastewater treatment facility since September, uses a reactor containing floating foam cubes that support biofilms of microorganisms to degrade pollutants. This system has demonstrated the ability to reduce chemical oxygen demand by 90% and remove 60-70% of nitrogen, meeting strict German wastewater standards. The project, named EnsAK, is funded by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology, and Space and involves industry partners Saygin & Stein and EMW filtertechnik GmbH. The plant operates continuously with regular sampling and analysis to monitor performance, aiming to maintain reliability across seasonal temperature variations during its planned two-year trial. Researchers are also conducting laboratory experiments to enhance efficiency by shortening wastewater residence time from 16 to 10 hours and reducing the volume of foam cubes needed. These improvements could
energysolar-powerwastewater-treatmentpollution-reductionenvironmental-technologydisaster-responsesustainable-engineeringRadiation-Detection Systems Are Quietly Running in the Background All Around You
The article highlights the pervasive presence of radiation-detection systems worldwide, which operate quietly in the background to monitor environmental radiation levels. These systems have become crucial for early detection of nuclear disasters, as exemplified by the 1986 Chernobyl accident, where radiation monitors in Sweden first signaled the catastrophe. Following such incidents, many countries established continuous radiation monitoring networks, some government-run and others maintained by volunteers and researchers. These networks enable rapid identification of abnormal radiation spikes, potentially alerting the world to nuclear emergencies almost immediately. A notable example of ongoing radiation monitoring is the work of Kim Kearfott, a nuclear engineering professor at the University of Michigan, who set up multiple radiation sensors across her campus after the 2011 Fukushima disaster. Her initiative arose from the difficulty in accessing official radiation data, as nuclear plants often restrict public release of their monitoring information. Kearfott’s detectors have even recorded minor fluctuations linked to medical facilities releasing radioactive gases, demonstrating the sensitivity and utility of such grassroots
energyradiation-detectionnuclear-safetyIoT-sensorsenvironmental-monitoringdisaster-responseradiation-monitoring-systemsUS: Robot dog gets AI power to carry out rescue missions effectively
Texas A&M University engineering students have developed a memory-based navigation framework that significantly enhances the capabilities of AI-powered robotic dogs for rescue missions. Unlike traditional robots that merely follow commands, this system enables the robot to see, remember locations, and make real-time decisions using a multimodal large language model (MLLM) that integrates visual input, voice commands, and advanced path planning. The robot can navigate chaotic, GPS-denied environments such as disaster zones by recalling previously traveled routes, avoiding obstacles instantly, and employing high-level reasoning to optimize its movements. This approach represents a novel integration of visual memory and language-model-based navigation within a modular platform, improving efficiency and adaptability in unpredictable settings. Supported by the National Science Foundation, the team demonstrated how the robot’s AI blends reactive behaviors with deliberate planning, making it a smarter, more intuitive partner for search-and-rescue teams, emergency crews, and disaster response units. Beyond emergency applications, the technology holds promise for broader use cases including hospital and warehouse operations, mobility
robotAIrescue-robotsautonomous-navigationrobotic-dogdisaster-responsemultimodal-language-modelChina’s robot dog autonomously finds victims in disaster drills
Chinese robotics firm Deep Robotics showcased its X30 quadruped robot dogs in a disaster rescue drill held in Hangzhou on November 27. The drill, named the “2025 Joint Emergency Rescue Drill for Concurrent Multi-Type Accidents,” tested the robots’ ability to autonomously locate seven simulated trapped victims across multiple high-risk scenarios. The X30 demonstrated advanced mobility and stability by navigating challenging terrain such as 45-degree stairs, hollow scaffolding, and debris-filled surfaces, supported by its four-legged bionic design, smart gait control, and IP67 protection rating that allows operation in dusty and wet conditions. These capabilities enabled the robots to safely enter hazardous zones and relay critical real-time data to command centers. The X30 robots employed full-scene scanning, long-distance video feeds, and a broadband self-organizing network to build 3D models of the disaster site, providing rescue teams with accurate environmental awareness and situational updates. Integrated with personnel search-and-rescue systems and facial recognition cameras, the
roboticsrescue-robotsautonomous-robotsdisaster-responsequadruped-robotsrobot-dogDeep-RoboticsNew 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