RoBoa glides through disaster areas that are too dangerous for other robots

When disaster strikes, drones and robots can be sent into danger zones to search for survivors. The RoBoa from a student team at ETH Zurich is designed to cut through debris that would block other solutions.

The “vine-like search and rescue robot” was developed as a student project at the Autonomous Systems Lab of ETH Zurich. Designed to aid rescue teams in natural disaster locations or war-torn areas, it slithers forward like a snake and searches for survivors trapped in the rubble using its sensor-filled head.

Behind the head is an inflatable fabric tube connected to a supply closet that not only fills RoBoa’s body with compressed air, but also contains more coiled tubes, along with computing power and supporting electronics. The robot’s movement is controlled remotely, with a camera providing a live feed to an interface.

The pneumatic hose length of an earlier prototype was limited to 10 m (33 ft), and testing in a collapsed building successfully located a trapped person. The team has continued to refine and test with the help of the Swiss rescue forces, and the current prototype can reportedly be extended up to 100 m (328 ft). The diameter can also be adjusted pneumatically to suit mission needs, and this iteration is controlled using a portable wireless remote control.

The designers say it can be equipped with a speaker/microphone combination so the operator can communicate with a survivor. And there is even talk of the possibility of pulling a supply line through the rubble to bring water, food and medicine where it is needed.

In addition to search and rescue, the RoBoa’s head can be configured for inspection tasks, environmental monitoring or mapping. The fearless snakebot is unhindered by dirty or slippery surfaces and is said to have a greater range than push cameras or similar technologies. It is also safe for use in situations where there is a risk of a spark causing explosions.

The student project was created to further develop the solution for market launch, and thanks to an ETH Pioneer Fellowship award, commercial launch is in sight. The startup’s co-founders will present the project on November 21 at the Zurich Convention Center as part of ETH Zurich’s Industry Day 2024.

Sources: ETH Zurich, RoBoa