Enhancing Search and Rescue Operations in Earthquake Scenarios through Soft Vine Robotic Technology: Design, Implementation, and Simulation

This paper focuses on implementing soft vine robotic technology in search and rescue operations for earthquake scenarios. The objective is to introduce versatility and adaptability to earthquake situations. The paper discusses the use of multiple vine robots working together to search through rubble for survivors and map the disaster site. It covers the material analysis, design, fabrication, actuation methodologies, and control strategies employed in creating the search and rescue robot. The robot can be teleoperated using a microcontroller, motor, and electro-pneumatic circuit. When survivors are located, first aid tools can be sent to them using the robot's tail. The prototype demonstrates performed steering curvature and distributed strain actuation. A simulation is created to visualize the interaction between the robot and the environment. A partial study on deploying the vine robot in debris is also being carried out. Establishing a communication channel between sensors and the host computer relays information to the operator and rescue team for the extraction procedure.