Reined Robots Guide Firefighters Through Smoke

Mar-28-15
Robots able to guide firefighters to safety through dense smoke like "guide dogs" could make it easier for the firefighter to navigate through a smoke-filled room—saving precious time.

The prototype robot is equipped with a sensor system and a set of "reins" that are held by the firefighter. As the robot identifies objects in the path, it would alert the user via vibrations sent though a sleeve (the rescue worker would be trained in how to read the signals). The vibrations can indicate the size and shape of the obstacle, as well as transmit data on its pliability, which could help the rescuers identify people.
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