Rescue
Archived Posts from this Category
WaterKite for Swiftwater Rescue
Posted by Jamie on 26 Jul 2006 | Tagged as: Rescue
There are a few technologies that inspired the creation of EmergencyTech and the WaterKite is one of them. After seeing a television demonstration of the WaterKite device on the National Geographic Channel’s Marine Machines I started wondering about creating one place where people from all disciplines of emergency services could learn about the gadgets that people are using and, hopefully, find technologies that they can apply in their own workplaces. Enough of that. The WaterKite is an ingenious device that allows rescuers to “fly” a flotation device directly to a trapped victim without having to expose themselves to the current. Using an hydrodynamic concept similar to how aircraft wings generate lift and control lines that allow remote operation the devices (the first of which, pictured here, will be available in October 2006). In addition to direct rescue the device should be useful for ferrying supplies across swift water and numerous other applications. Check out their site for videos of prototypes in action.
Serpentine Firefighting Robot
Posted by Jamie on 24 Jul 2006 | Tagged as: Firefighting, HazMat, Rescue, Research and Development, Robots
Norwegian researchers announced the development of the unfortunately named “Anna Konda” robot, a 3 meter long water-powered beast that is designed to replace firefighters in hazardous environments (like, um, fires? - eds.), according to Roland Piquepaille’s Technology Trends:
The snake contains 20 water hydraulic motors that move the robotic joints. And the energy needed to power these motors comes from water pressurized to 100 bars and already available inside the fire hose. This gives enough energy to this water-powered robot to climb up stairs, to lift a car up off the ground or even break through a wall.
The design offers a flexibility that most existing robotic firefighting systems lack, namely, by increasing autonomy and reducing the burden on its operators. The robot can be directed to travel from point A to point B, for example, and it will navigate the terrain itself by using computer controlled actuators. The beauty is in the simplicity and modularity of its design, allowing for easy repair and maintainance and a steep learing curve for operation.
More after the jump.
DARPA Tests Exoskeleton and Trauma Stretcher
Posted by Jamie on 23 Jul 2006 | Tagged as: Medicine, Military, Rescue, Research and Development, Robots
Last month (yeah, I’m a little late) during a demonstration sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps’ VMX-22 test squadron DARPA had a chance to show off some of its newest technologies. On display were the Exoskeletons for Human Performance Augmentation Program and the Life Support for Trauma and Transport-Lite sled among others.
The exoskeleton project is designed to augment the existing capabilities of soldiers by allowing them to move faster accross difficult terrain, lift and carry larger loads comfortably, and a host of other improvements. It is also designed to incorporate application specific additions that allow the wearer to work in hazardous conditions such as biologically or radiologically contaminated areas by adding life support and remote sensing packages.
Based on the very successful LSTAT family of transport devices which offered a self-contained solution for packaging and transporting a patient and all of the technology required for life support, the LSTAT-Lite is a movement towards taking the system from rear-echelon uses to the soldier on the front lines by shaving 150 lbs. (and significant cost) off of the original LSTAT design.
More after the jump. Continue Reading »
