Bio-Inspired Rescue Robot With Radar and BLE Survivor Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional search-and-rescue technologies are inadequate for detecting and locating survivors trapped under debris due to limitations in maneuverability and effectiveness in challenging environments, particularly in detecting stationary individuals and navigating through tight spaces.

Innovation Solution

A bio-inspired autonomous mobile robot with segmented limbs and integrated high-frequency radar sensors, such as millimeter-wave radar, combined with GNSS and Bluetooth Low Energy technology, for precise survivor detection and location tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional search-and-rescue devices are used, then they can detect moving survivors, but they fail to detect stationary survivors and cannot navigate through tight spaces under debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurvivor detection effectivenessVSAvoidability to navigate challenging environments

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The robot is divided into multiple segmented body parts connected by articulated joints, allowing it to flex and navigate through tight spaces under debris while maintaining structural integrity for reliable survivor detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The robot integrates multiple detection technologies (millimeter-wave radar for stationary survivors, cameras for visual confirmation, sensors for vital signs) into a single platform that can detect both moving and stationary survivors across various environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If human personnel and canines are used for search-and-rescue, then they can provide manual assistance, but they cannot effectively detect stationary survivors and struggle in inaccessible areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual rescue capabilityVSAvoidsurvivor detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual search operations with autonomous robotic platforms equipped with millimeter-wave radar and multi-sensor detection systems that provide continuous, precise monitoring of both moving and stationary survivors without human physical presence requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The robot autonomously navigates debris fields, detects survivors using integrated sensors, tracks their locations, and communicates findings without requiring human operators in the hazardous zone, enabling self-directed rescue operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If lightweight portable robots are used, then they can maneuver through crevices and nooks, but they may lack the detection capabilities for stationary survivors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaneuverability in tight spacesVSAvoidstationary survivor detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The robot merges multiple detection technologies (millimeter-wave radar for stationary detection, optical cameras for visual confirmation, acoustic sensors for sound detection, and vital sign sensors) into a single integrated system that maintains compact size while achieving comprehensive survivor detection capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables effective detection and location of survivors in difficult-to-reach areas, including under debris and behind walls, with enhanced maneuverability and accuracy, facilitating efficient rescue operations.

Implementation Method 1

incorporating presence detecting radar sensors such as millimeter-wave radar

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

combined with GNSS and Bluetooth Low Energy technology, for precise survivor detection and location tracking

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240077873A1Radar sensor-based bio-inspired autonomous mobile robot using BLE location tracking for disaster rescue

Publication Date: 2024.03.07 PANNALA SUMA GOURI

AI summary

An autonomous bio-inspired mobile robotic device (200) capable of detecting, tracking and communicating location of survivor(s) (34) trapped under earthquake/building collapse debris (30, 32). The small-size, lightweight, ruggedized autonomous legged mobile robot (200) incorporates high-frequency millimeter-wave radar sensor (10) and Ultra Wideband (IR-UWB) radar sensor (12) for detecting presence and perform ranging of trapped survivor(s) (34). The autonomous mobile robot (200) also comprises GNSS (8) and BLE (4) connectivity for location tracking of trapped survivor(s) (34) in conjunction with a Wi-Fi enabled visual sensing solution (20) and a flashlight (16) to aid during rescue operation. The battery-powered (24) autonomous bio-inspired mobile robot (200) also comprises an MCU (26), actuators (14b), motor control circuitry (18) and IMU (6) to control robot (200) locomotion and perform sensor data fusion. BLE (4) connectivity solution of the present invention (200) communicates the location of detected trapped survivor(s) (34) to a plurality of rescue devices (44A, 44B, 44C) using Angle-of-Arrival (700)/Angle-of-Departure (800) method for successful survivor (34) location resolution.