CURSOR · Coordinated Use of miniaturized Robotic equipment and advanced Sensors for search and rescue OpeRations

The CURSOR proposal aims at developing new and innovative ways of detecting victims under debris. This includes the coordinated use of miniaturized robotic equipment and advanced sensors for achieving significant improvements in search and rescue operations with respect to (a) the time used to detect trapped victims after a building structure has collapsed, and (b) an informed and accelerated decision making by first responders during rescue operations allowing for the deployment of expert personnel and, in particular for operations in hazardous environments, suitable equipment at prioritized locations.CURSOR is proposing a system consisting of several integrated technological components. It includes Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for command & control, 3D modelling and transportation of disposable miniaturized robots, that are equipped with advanced sensors for the sensitive detection of volatile chemical signatures of human beings. Information and data collected are transferred in real time to a handheld device operated by first responders at the disaster site.