Intelligent seeker robot to locate dead bodies and survivors under debris

The aim of this research was to construct a semi-autonomous seeker robot in the form factor of a rover that inherits a degree of intelligence for aiding rescue operations through rubble. The developed robot would be able to crawl through the limited space available under debris and wreckages, providing real-time video feed of the situation along with night vision capability. By the means of an onboard positioning system incorporating beacons, the rover would be able to guide itself into and out of the wreckage site. In addition to that, with a carbon dioxide gas sensor, a methane gas sensor and an image processing system working in tandem, the robot would have the capability to successfully detect dead bodies and potential survivors. With the aid of the locator system interfaced with a GUI, the location of the dead bodies and/or survivors can be tagged while their distances from the rescuers can be determined by the robot's operator. To ensure uninterrupted communication throughout, a custom wireless communication system was developed based on existing Wi-Fi repeater technology. The entire system was rigorously field-tested for accuracy and reliability.