Robots 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