We heard different stories of people saving lives. A person saving a stray cat from getting hit by a car and a person rescuing someone from a burning house-these are some of the stories that help us realize the power of helping each other when a disaster hits. Helping others is the nature of humans that is innate to us. And with the recent rise of technology, companies have invented different tools to help people in various ways. But nowadays, you will be surprised how robots can help people in different life and death scenarios. Yes, robots. The artificial machines that people often judge by being destructive and scary because of the movies featuring robots who bring destruction to the world. If we dismiss the terrible reputation, robots are now taking over the risk-reduction area and being utilized to save people in times of tragedy. But how is this possible? Here are the things you should know about how robots can save lives.
Robots in Times of Disasters
Using robots for rescue during disasters is not a new concept. This method is highly utilized for developed countries because they recognize that humans can do so much only with these modern helpers. Since robots are man-made and usually made of steel and contemporary composite materials, they are made to withstand harsh conditions, and they are made to decrease the death rate and the injuries in a disaster. In hindsight, using robots for disaster response is not have a big difference from operating heavy machinery. There are backhoes, excavators, telehandlers, bulldozers, motor graders, dump trucks, and more. However, the difference between these machines the robots is how people control these machines. Not only will it be as powerful as this heavy machinery, but it will also be efficient for the rescuers. At the same time, while heavy machinery is helpful for disaster response, it is also time to adapt and innovate new tech that can further improve disaster response worldwide. So, rescue robots are indeed a game-changer in disaster risk response management.
3 Ways a Robot Can Save Lives
Now that we know how valuable robots can be in disaster response, it is time to understand further how a robot’s features can enhance disaster risk management. Here are the five ways a robot can save lives.
A robot can go to rescue missions that are too dangerous for humans
Not all rescue missions are successful because some disasters or tragedies are too dangerous for humans. Disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, typhoons, wildfires, and more, are hazardous for humans to fight. However, delayed disaster response means more people are at risk. Technology proved that humans need assistance to alleviate the disaster response further. But even with heavy machinery, they are set to fail sometimes because some areas are too hard to reach or dangerous, and robots can reach these places without humans going into the danger zones. Robots made from solid steel can scout the area to rescue people in danger zones. We can also program robots to notify rescuers about the current state of a danger zone. In this way, rescuers can assess the area and derive an effective plan to reach the people in danger.
Robots with Artificial Intelligence Can Make a Difference
Since robots are programmed, using artificial intelligence can further enhance the capability of a robot to save lives. Under a branch of computer science, artificial intelligence aims to program machines or robots to perform tasks that require human intelligence. Using artificial intelligence is no different from the new tech we utilize nowadays, like a self-driving car, smart assistant, social media algorithm, and more. But aside from these, we can use artificial intelligence for disaster response. We can program robots to communicate with other people, and they can be programmed to detect bombs, detect casualties, and even perform more complex tasks with total autonomy. A robot fully controlling its actions means it can be programmed to work together or alongside the rescuers. This kind of feat will truly benefit rescuers worldwide, and rescuing will be easier.
Robots Can Help Prevent Disasters
Robots can be proactive with disaster response, and they can also help with risk reduction and prevention. And since they are proactive, with the help of robots, they can prevent disasters that may come. We can program robots to assess an area that is at risk. For example, for locations near fault lines or the cracks of the earth, a robot can evaluate the area and warn the people about the impending risks it will bring once a massive earthquake happens. With this, people will be more compelled to relocate or make more robust housing to withstand earthquakes. Robots can help people educate about how we should always be prepared for every disaster that may come.
Mobile Robots in Disaster Response
Robots are indeed a remarkable innovation that can assist people and help people when a crisis comes. To support this cause, a Europe-based company is now starting to manufacture their robots to help people. To save lives is the mission of LeoTronics, a company that aims to manufacture robots that can help with disaster response. Rescue mobile robots are their main product due to their capability to make these smart machines for rescue teams. Their team consists of passionate people who want to raise awareness of people about the importance of using robots in disaster response and make this technology as usual. Their mobile robot TrackReitar is a universal tracked platform made to endure harsh conditions. Powered by AI-powered software, TrackReitar can be customized according to various disaster scenarios that may occur, such as earthquakes, typhoons, and even a vast fire. The flagship products of the company LeoTronics Robotics are firefighting robots TrackReitar FFL that can extinguish the fire by using state-of-the-art fire fighting technology. Firefighting robots can help firefighters respond to any disastrous fire, empowering firefighters with visible and thermal cameras, environmental sensors, and a sophisticated artificial intelligence system. Since their firefighting system is AI-based, they are made with sensors that can detect the start of the fire and further extinguish the beginning of the fire. You will honestly say, “what in the robot?!” LeoTronics Robotics is open for collaborations to tailor-fit their mobile robots according to any disaster that may happen.