Dogs are widely used in all kinds of search and rescue activities, including finding people under the rubble of collapsed buildings.
One research team is looking for ways to enhance what dogs can offer, by fitting them with Canine Augmentation Technology (CAT) — cameras, video, wifi and other tech:
The primary goal of the project is to improve the performance of trained Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) dogs in finding and facilitating the rescue of live people who are trapped in the rubble of buildings that suffer a structural Collapse. Our goal is to create assistive technology so that others might live.
… At the moment, the project consists of 5 separate subcomponents that are based on the theme of finding trapped people faster in order to save lives.
We all know the image of the Saint Bernard dog delivering a small barrel of brandy to those trapped in the snow. How much more useful it would be if rescue dogs could deliver food, medicine, water and communications:
The Canine Remote Deployment System (CRDS) is a remotely operated release mechanism worn by the dog and triggered by the handler using a wireless handset. When the handler hears the bark indication of the dog, they can release a bag (called the “underdog”) that can contain medical supplies, a radio, food, water or other sensors very close to where the trapped person is located. The technology has been awarded a provisional U.S. Patent.
The team are working on 5 areas:
- Canine Augmentation Technology (CAT)
- Canine Remote Deployment System (CRDS)
- Canine Pose (CP) (sensors indicate what the dog’s doing)
- Canine Work Apparel (CWA)
- Canine Brain Function (CBF)
Let’s hope they gain enough funding to continue this important work.
