Engineers at the Autonomous Systems Lab of ETH Zurich have developed a vine-like search and rescue robot that could assist rescue teams at sites of natural disasters or war-ravaged regions where humans, drones, or other robots couldn’t reach. Roboa is designed not only to slither through rubble and debris following a disaster but also to nimbly maneuver through pipes and sewers.
The snake-like robot moves without needing traction. Behind the robot’s head is an inflatable fabric tube connected to a supply box that fills its body with pressurized air and contains more rolled-up tubing, with computing power and supporting electronics.
The length of pneumatic tubing is capable of extending to 100 m (328 ft). Its diameter can also be pneumatically adjusted from 1.9 to 3.9 inches to suit mission needs and this iteration is controlled using a handheld wireless remote.
According to engineers, RoBoa can be with a speaker/microphone combo allowing the operator to communicate with a survivor. There’s even a supply line to provide critical liquids such as water, food, medicines, or cleaning agents. Its exterior is a soft fabric that not only helps to reduce friction but also is gentle on humans and delicate surfaces, minimizing damage.
In addition to search and rescue missions, the robot can be configured for inspection duties, environmental monitoring, or mapping. It is capable of slithering over dirty, sticky, or gravelly terrain. Furthermore, it’s also safe for use in situations where there’s a danger of a spark setting off explosions.
According to the team, the system is ideal for inspecting pipes, sewers, or tanks in industries such as wastewater, power, and chemicals, making it an ideal candidate for search and rescue missions that involve searching confined spaces. Its small and adjustable diameter allows it to squeeze into the tightest spaces that other devices or humans could never fit into.
RoBoa was originally developed as part of a student focus project but it has now spun out to further develop the solution for market release. Thanks to an ETH Pioneer Fellowship award, RoBoa is planned for commercial release and is expected to have a major impact on inspection and search and rescue operations.
