IAA Commercial Vehicles 2016
Robot helps rescue workers
In earthquakes like the recent one in Italy, every minute counts for rescue workers. However, they often lack the right equipment to safely enter damaged buildings, for example. Engineers at TU Kaiserslautern have now developed two robots to support helpers.
The small robot was provided by the project partner, the British technology company Allen Vanguard. The larger vehicle was built by the French company Metalliance. It has a pneumatic hammer and a three-meter-long gripper arm.
© TU KaiserslauternIn disaster areas, rescue workers often put themselves in danger when searching for and rescuing survivors. To help them in rough terrain after earthquakes, floods or attacks, researchers in the 'Integrated Components for Assisted Rescue and Unmanned Search operations' (Icarus) project have been working on robots that can be used on land, in water and in the air.
The engineers at TU Kaiserslautern have been working with colleagues on a system consisting of a large and a small robotic vehicle. Both systems can move effortlessly over rough terrain thanks to their tracked drive. The small robot, which the larger vehicle has on board in its own transport box, is used to explore the inside of buildings. "With the help of the gripper arm, it can place the small robot on a balcony or a roof, for example," explains Massimo Tosa, who conducts research at the Chair of Robot Systems at TU Kaiserslautern under Professor Dr. Karsten Berns. This small robot can then inspect the damaged building.
The researchers have equipped the small robot with two laser scanners and a 3D camera system. It can also open doors with its gripper arm.
© TU KaiserslauternThe computer scientists working with Tosa and Berns have equipped the robots with new software, among other things. Using sensors and cameras, they can create a map of their surroundings and move forward safely. "In open terrain, we mainly use GPS data for our technology," says Tosa. "But inside buildings, we have to use what is known as an intertial measuring unit." This system uses sensors to measure various variables such as acceleration and can therefore calculate the exact position.
Both robots have an assistance system to prevent them from hitting an obstacle, for example. In a dangerous situation, the technology takes control to avoid a collision with the obstacle. The team has also developed a communication system that enables rescue workers to easily control the robots remotely and quickly receive important information.
The researchers will be presenting the robots at the International Motor Show (IAA) Commercial Vehicles in Hanover from September 22 to 29, 2016 at the joint Rhineland-Palatinate stand (Hall 13, Stand C26).
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