Development of a Low-Cost Teleoperated Explorer Robot (TXRob)

Abstract

Natural disasters such as earthquakes or mudslides destroy everything in their path, causing buildings to collapse, which can cause people to lose their lives or suffer permanent injuries. Rescuers and firefighters are responsible for entering these ruined buildings, this work being very dangerous for them because they can get trapped in the rubble or suffocate due to the harmful gases found inside these buildings. Taking into consideration the risk in this type of operations, technological innovations can be used to help in the exploration of ruined buildings and the rescue of people. Therefore, this article describes the development of TXRob, a low-cost teleoperated robot used in the exploration of post-disaster scenarios. TXRob has artificial vision, environmental gas recognition sensors, a real-time data display panel, is sized to enter buildings, and is capable of moving over uneven surfaces, such as debris or cracks, thanks to its track system. A human operator can remotely monitor and control the robot. The TXRob’s versatility as well as sensors performance has been tested on uneven and harsh surfaces in a simulated disaster environment. These tests suggest that the designed robot is suitable for use in rescue situations.