Proboscis search & rescue. Worm-like Softrobot for Search and Rescue Missions
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Autor(in)
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Datum
2018-06-18Typ
- Student Paper
ETH Bibliographie
yes
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Abstract
Even though earthquakes are older than mankind, rescue equipment is still quite
rudimentary. Currently, buried victims can be located with dogs or drones, but
to reach them, large amounts of debris and other obstacles have to be removed
carefully. This can take several days as heavy machinery and a lot of manpower is
required.
The goal of Focus Project Proboscis is to shortcut the rescue process and work on
a physical solution to establish an early contact to buried victims, with the aim to
supply them with water and liquid medicine if needed.
A challenge consisting of multiple obstacles was defined to simulate a realistic environment after a natural catastrophe. In order to satisfy all conditions, a slim,
lightweight system was required. It has to be able to push itself forward in rough
terrain, while still being flexible enough to maneuver through tight spaces. The
solution that was developed was a soft, worm-like robot consisting of an arrangement of two different modules, the drive modules and the flexible segments. To
reduce weight, the power sources for actuation were placed in the operation base.
The 3D printed, flexible segments are actuated pneumatically from the base and
allow steering around tight curves. With four drive modules, the robot can generate
forward propulsion regardless of the orientation.
This project lays a good foundation for further development. The main focus was
placed on proof of concept, and it is achieved in the sense that the robot can already
overcome a lot of real world obstacles. The experience and knowledge gathered
throughout the development process can be of good use for future projects dealing
with similar search and rescue robots. Mehr anzeigen
Persistenter Link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000450366Publikationsstatus
publishedBeteiligte
Referent: Siegwart, Roland
Referent: Hutter, Marco
Referent: Blöchliger, Fabian
Referent: Achermann, Florian
Referent: Oberdeck, Jannick
Referent: Katz, michael
Verlag
ETH ZurichThema
robotics; Pneumatics; Soft roboticsOrganisationseinheit
02130 - Dep. Maschinenbau und Verfahrenstechnik / Dep. of Mechanical and Process Eng.
ETH Bibliographie
yes
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