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