Robot in the making to trace victims trapped under debris

The Hyderabad Science Society (HSS), a Hyderabad-based organisation, claims to have developed the prototype of a robot, which can be used to locate victims trapped under debris in cases of earthquakes and building-collapses.

"We have developed a prototype robot, which can be sent inside the debris to collect information about trapped victims. The robot, attached with two cameras and voice communication facilities, will capture images and send back the data to those supervising rescue operations," HSS director Sanjar Ali Khan said on Monday.

The prototype robot is one foot long, eight inches wide and about seven inches tall. It is fitted with a light to help it search deep inside for victims.

"Lots of people get trapped under debris as a result of disasters. It was a year ago that we thought of developing a robotic device which would help in finding people to facilitate the rescue operations. It will come in handy for the police department and defence forces," he said.

"Currently, the robot is undergoing preliminary trials. Though it is currently connected to power line and communication system cables, it will finally be operated via remote control," he pointed out.

It is common that people get trapped under the debris at times of building collapse and earthquakes and tracing them is a daunting task for rescue workers.

HSS has created the new robot with the intention that victims trapped under debris could be located accurately and without any human intervention.

Currently, the robot, which is undergoing preliminary trials, is connected to power line and communication system cables and is expected to be operated through a remote control after current trials.

''The field trials are going on at our lab and will continue for six to eight months. Although, presently, the robot is connected to wires once it becomes fully operational we will ensure that it will function through a remote control,'' he added.