The Chinese mainland's China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) has made a groundbreaking advancement in emergency response with the development of an unmanned rescue system specifically designed for tunnel incidents.
Tunnel rescues present unique challenges, including complex terrain, limited sensory capabilities, lack of satellite signal coverage, restricted access to incident sites, and inadequate navigational tools. CASIC's innovative system addresses these issues by incorporating autonomous tunnel navigation, radar obstacle detection and avoidance, autonomous route planning, tunnel communication transmission, and ultra-low-altitude firefighting capabilities.
Unlike traditional highway rescues, this unmanned system can operate effectively in environments where satellite signals are unavailable. It intelligently recognizes and precisely locates fire sources and individuals, ensuring that rescue equipment and fire-extinguishing materials are delivered accurately and swiftly at the onset of a fire.
Successful trials have demonstrated the system's ability to navigate tunnels autonomously, avoid obstacles, and deploy fire-extinguishing grenades efficiently. These trials mark a significant step forward in enhancing the effectiveness of emergency responses in tunnel environments, particularly during expressway tunnel fires where traditional methods may falter due to traffic congestion and signal loss.
With its robust design and proven functionality, CASIC's unmanned rescue system is set to be deployed across various emergency scenarios, revolutionizing how tunnel rescues are conducted and improving safety outcomes in critical situations.
Reference(s):
Chinese researchers develop unmanned system for tunnel rescue
cgtn.com
