What it does
This confined space rescue robot helps responders navigate collapsed or hazardous areas with live video, gas and temperature monitoring, obstacle detection, and supply delivery, improving safety and situational awareness during search and rescue operations.
Your inspiration
Search and rescue operations in collapsed buildings often place rescuers at significant risk due to unstable structures, limited visibility, and hazardous gases. We were inspired to develop a compact rescue robot that can enter confined spaces before human responders, providing real-time video, environmental monitoring, and basic supply delivery. By combining affordability with practical functionality, the project aims to improve situational awareness, reduce risks to rescue personnel, and support faster, safer emergency response in challenging environments.
How it works
The rescue robot navigates collapsed buildings using rubber tracks and four DC motors to climb over rubble. Its standout feature is a motorized scissor lift. If debris blocks the view, the operator can raise the camera vertically to look over obstacles. High-intensity LEDs illuminate dark voids, ensuring clear live video streaming. Operating as an advanced scout, it uses ultrasonic sound waves to detect unseen physical obstacles. Built-in sensors constantly monitor the environment for dangerous heat levels and toxic gases, alerting operators to invisible hazards. It uses two robot brains: one manages driving, while the other handles wireless communication. A dual-battery setup separates heavy motor power from sensitive electronics so it never suddenly fails. Finally, the rear storage box carries survival supplies directly to trapped victims.
Design process
Phase 1: Research & Conceptualization
We conducted a market survey to identify key rescuer needs, including compact size, hazard detection, and supply delivery. Using a House of Quality and concept scoring, 13 initial designs were evaluated, and a tracked robot with a scissor-lift camera was selected.
Phase 2: CAD & Engineering Analysis
The robot was designed in SolidWorks. Finite element analysis was performed on the 6061-T6 aluminum chassis, confirming a high safety factor and structural durability under expected loads.
Phase 3: Prototyping
Due to time and budget constraints, the first prototype was built using 3D-printed PETG instead of aluminum for the chassis and casing.
Phase 4: Iterative Improvements
During assembly, issues were identified and resolved. Gear motors required additional support, so a reinforced bottom chassis plate was added, also housing the batteries and lowering the center of gravity for improved traction. Camera vibrations from the scissor lift were reduced using a custom protective stabilizing frame.
Phase 5: Validation
The prototype successfully navigated a simulated disaster environment. A lit mosquito coil was used in a confined tunnel to test gas and temperature sensors under controlled smoke and heat conditions.
How it is different
While most existing rescue robots function solely as passive observation tools, our design actively sustains victims. Active Life-Support: It features a built-in storage compartment to deliver life-saving supplies, such as water and medical kits, directly to trapped survivors during the critical waiting period. Compact Maneuverability: Unlike massive, 6-foot-tall extraction robots that cannot fit into narrow debris gaps, our robot measures just 30 by 25 cm, allowing it to easily penetrate confined spaces. Dynamic Visibility: To overcome limited ground-level visibility, we integrated a motorized scissor-lift camera. Instead of relying on long, unstable jointed arms that can easily snag on heavy rubble, our robot maintains a stable, low center of gravity on its tank-style tracks while the camera extends vertically to look over obstacles. This combination makes it distinctly valuable.
Future plans
Our immediate next step is upgrading the 3D-printed PETG prototype to the intended 6061-T6 aluminum structure for maximum durability. We will also focus on optimizing load capacity, enhancing mobility, and improving sensor integration. To overcome current limitations, future development must extend the 60-90 minute battery runtime and improve high-temperature resistance. Ultimately, we aim to conduct rigorous testing and certification to meet regulatory safety requirements. This will allow for commercial deployment and large-scale implementation to support rescue personnel in real-world emergencies.
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