Robots for search and rescue tested in Lisbon – Science Today

Aníbal Matos explains the importance of robots

The ICARUS (Integrated Components for Assisted Rescus and Unmanned Search Operations – Integrated Components for assistance the search and rescue operations) is a European project that brings together 24 partners from nine countries – Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Poland – which had a EUR 17 million budget and began in February 2012 and ends in January 2016. The project aims to develop robotic tools that will assist rescue teams in search and rescue operations, a terrestrial and maritime security component.

The innovation of these robots is the ability they have to be used in crisis scenarios, such as in a natural disaster situation.

“Imagine that a passenger ship runs aground or sinks at sea, but the sea conditions and atmospheric not allow search and rescue teams make the safety of victims in rescue operations, one solution is to use autonomous robots that can assist these teams in disaster situations “, explains Aníbal Matos, INESC TEC researcher ( INESC Technology and Science) and professor of FEUP, which is one of the responsible for the ICARUS Sea Trials Lisbon in 2015.

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According to the researcher, the equipment does not replace the operating search and rescue, but it works rather as a complementary instrument of aid.

“These robotic tools are equipped with sensors for the detection of human and endowed with the ability to communicate with the outside,” full responsible.