Communications of the ACM
Robot From Twente to Save Lives in the Alps
Scientists at the University of Twente are working on robots like this one that are expected to save lives in calamity situations in the Alps.
Credit: University of Twente
University of Twente (UT) researchers are working on the SHERPA project, which involves cooperation between human rescue workers, a ground robot with a robotic arm, and flying robots. The SHERPA researchers are planning to meet to compare their results and to experiment with the various parts of the robot platform.
The SHERPA robots provide rescue workers with support during their missions following disasters. In some cases, the robots can assume some aspects of the work of their human team members by locating victims, greatly increasing the chances of saving lives. The robotic arm is capable of grasping the flying robot while it is airborne and placing it on the charger for the ground robot, and the robotic arm is unique because its rigidity can be adjusted to a specific task. Moreover, the arm is more resilient to shocks and vibrations than the current generation of robotic arms.
The SHERPA project includes an array of sensors and portable technology to be worn by human rescue workers, enabling them to respond to situations without actually having to be present at the site of the disaster. The sensors measure the robot's dynamic movements, such as position, speed, and resistance. The robot's cognitive algorithms enable both the machine and a person to cooperatively look for victims and determine their actions to save human lives.
From University of Twente (Netherlands)
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