Robots Technology and Emergency Response - Research Paper Example

 Title: Robots’ Technology and Emergency Response Abstract In any crisis situation, search and rescue teams are placed in extreme situations where their performance is imperative to the lives of others. Inclement weather, radiation and hazardous chemicals not only delay the time of rescue efforts but also jeopardizes the safety of responders and the victims. Applying robot technology in crisis management situations not only reduces the risk of injury or harm to the people, but also increases the speed and efficiency of rescue operations. Robots are designed for working in extreme and strenuous conditions. They are manipulative and expert and have the ability to co-operate and perform activities spontaneously or semi-independently. This paper will describe how Robot Technology Has Improved Emergency Response Capabilities and how this technology will influence the future of emergency management and search and rescue operations How has Robot Technology improved Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-yield Explosive (CBRNE) Emergency Response and what impact will this technology have on emergency management? Introduction In the world today, there are several threats to the security of every state. This has been prompted by the increasing instances of terrorism and cold wars among states and militia groups. In this respect, each and every state needs to continuously engage in the development of effective defense strategies by applying modern technologies including robotics. Remarkably, this need has forced the Naval Research Laboratory to open a Laboratory for Autonomous Systems Research which will enhance the security apparatus of the United States. Within this lab, an innovative and intensive research has been conducted on the sensor systems and intelligent autonomy vital in the development of Robots such as unmanned vehicles and plane drones. With the improvements in the software, Wi-Fi, microprocessors and cameras, robotic technology has also been on the receiving end due to the increasing concerns of automation of the homeland security. The preparedness of biological, chemical, nuclear and radiological occurrences at nuclear power plants majorly consists of well trained and drilled personnel readily available to combat any emerging threat to the national security. Suggestively, a great improvement of the timelines and accuracy of the response by the emergency teams can be achieved through a collaboration of robotic-human interactions. Many quick response incidences occur in areas of high work load and stress which needs complex, and multiple procedures and activities that call for the personnel get exposed to complex and risky situations (Richardson 2011). Notably, employing the assistance of robots has reduced this exposure and drastically cut on the limitations that would have otherwise been encountered by the teams in response to the emergency. Though, robots have been of much aid in the response system, their independent acts and limited reliability has impacted on the human- robot interaction and consequently affected the response efficacy. To counter, the aforementioned limitation in the use of robots assistance, major improvements have been conducted to boost their response in times of disasters and subsequent recovery. Remarkably, specific measures have been taken to ensure robots of a higher level behavior range which includes the evolution of modern control data and sensor abstractions, the establishment of an autonomous mapping and great navigation capabilities and the developing of state of the art operator control metaphors. All these have significantly and positively altered the speeds in the detection of disasters and their consequences as well as the response in earnest to prevent massive losses. Effects of Robot Technology on the Emergency Response Detection The application of robotic technology has greatly improved the detection of nuclear radiations through the application of tele-imaging (British Nuclear Energy (1993). Scientists at the National Nuclear Security Administration which is tasked with overseeing the United States’ security on nuclear activities have been using high ultra-precise robots in the process of ensuring security for the Americans (Newlaunches.com, n.d). This is necessary to establish if a plant has been using chemicals used in the development of nuclear weapons. The organization also applies robotic simulations in testing and certifying the efficiency and magnitude of nuclear plants. In the process of establishing the threats posed by the nuclear plants multiple activities must be executed simultaneously leading to the bottlenecks resulting from unresponsive and ineffective communications. This calls for the use of the robots which are able to perform parallel activities necessary to avert the faults existing in the environment of execution. Several autonomous network detectors such as the Dragonfly Rapid MDx which is a cartridge based bio-agent have been used in the timely detection of biological chemicals which is necessary for Bio Watch to improve on the emergency response of the chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosive incidents (Homeland Security News Wire, 2012). These robots have enhanced the detection of intentionally released aerosolized biological agents such as the bacteria, viruses and other toxins which has significantly promoted the maintenance of a stable home security. Through the use of secured wireless network, scientists have been able to obtain real time reports on the status of the environment and security. It is a common knowledge that airports have been continuously targeted by terrorists in their heinous activities to breach the set security apparatus and harm the people of the United States of America. Stringent measures in the use of the male silk moth robot technology have proved worthy in combating this security threat (Spitzer, 2012). Spitzer (2012) argues that sensory technology approach based on microcantilevers which are tiny and flexible cantilevers has been used in the detection of chemicals and high yield explosives. Male silk moth robot applies this approach in detecting the ultra low explosives concentrations in the airports and recreational areas with high concentration of persons’ population. Moreover, Robot Technology has improved Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High-yield Explosive Emergency Response through the detection of suicide bombers miles away from their target areas. Scientists have developed robots which have the capacity to detect powder, plastic, liquid and gel explosives hidden under the clothes of the bombers. Mobile and remotely controlled robots are fitted with infrared sensors which aid in the identifying of the target, its tracking analysis of the colors of a persons-borne improvised explosive device. These robots display and coordinate images from several sensors giving them the ability to detect record, analyze and store scenes from far distances for the security agents to use. Further more, emergency response personnel have been able to use un-manned vehicles in monitoring dangerous atmospheres and in then handling devices which are highly explosive. Additionally, drones or un-manned planes have also been employed in the sampling of the hazardous environments. Both vehicles and plane drones have been designed to remit real time video, sound and data right from the dangerous areas to the control towers. They are also, fitted with devices that perform different functions in the removal of highly explosive devices as well as to suppress any targeted agent delivery. In the endeavor to reduce the personnel risks all these functions are controlled and monitored from a safe and remote area. According to Khatib et al (2005), improved devices for detection and sampling of disaster scenes have helped in the identification of products and in the determination of safe zones. Emergency response personnel have been able to manipulate robots in establishing the presence of the suspected adversaries at the disaster scenes which has drastically reduced the instances of the personnel being harmed. Remarkably, the monitoring and sampling robots have enhanced the responders’ accurate analysis and assessment of the conditions prevailing at the scene and initiate the appropriate action necessary in the mitigation of the incident. Research and Development Essentially, Loffler and Klann (2009) observe that emergency response personnel are tasked with the protection of the people, property and the environment. With this in consideration, the responders need to apply ways that will enhance their safety while at the scene. This calls for the quick accumulation of the necessary data to plan for their response. The robot technology comes in handy to enhance the effectiveness of this activity. Robot Technology has improved the emergency response of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-yield Explosive incident. Evidently, research and development has greatly influenced the way emergency response teams have coordinated their response and rescue operations in times of disasters and in their plans to avert the emergence of the dangerous incidences. Robots technology has enhanced the collection of vital data and its analysis which provides the response teams an in depth information on the scene. This provides the necessary information on the personal protective equipment (PPE) needed by the personnel to effectively counter the consequences without endangering their lives greatly impacting on how the teams approach the underlying situation. Robot systems allows for the modeling and analysis of the situation in hand, the employment of various methodologies and procedures and the prediction of the outcome before the response personnel visit the area. This makes them a step ahead before facing the real problem at the scene. Wide Coverage Robots technology has profoundly increased on the area of coverage in the push to obtain information on the emergence of radioactive chemicals. Robots are mobile an aspect which enhances their movement from one target point to another to detect and gather information. Further more, robot network is able to search for a moving target, efficiently monitor and establish the climate change within its path, as well as map a given environment while remaining local. Though the robots’ movement from one point to another has impacted on the communication among them within a network, has not been a major barrier. Lee et al (2011) say that the introduction of periodic connectivity in the network has greatly improved the emergency response. This has been achieved by the fact that the periodic regaining of connectivity has served as an impetus in the communication of already gathered information during a break in the network. More over, it has enhanced the planning of the next phase of the response and checking and coordination of all other robots to improve their operations. Significantly, the self controlling nature of the robots’ network has improved the collection of a wide information spectrum without being manipulated which guarantees a more accurate data. Quick Response The use of robot technology in the response to emergency chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield Explosive threats has greatly improved with a reduction in the time taken in the detection and countering the accompanying consequences. CBRNE poses high risk and hazardous effects in the state security which must be detected in the shortest time possible to avert the massive losses associated with them. Robots have come in hand in the push to increase the quickness of the responses since they are able to note any changes in the chemicals balance before the effects strike. The use of robots technology has significantly improved the process of detecting chemical and biological agents in various settings (Lau & Ko 2009, p3). Robots have proved to be of great importance in handling hazardous materials such as explosive and radioactive chemicals. When dealing with munitions for example, robots are preferred in dismantling the munitions into their constituent parts without exposing humans to extreme risk. Yet again, robots have been preferred in handling radioactive materials and working in proximity to nuclear reactors. They have also been used to verify the structural integrity of buildings used to store nuclear materials and nuclear reactors. Technical Analyses Service robots have been employed in the medical, mining, surveillance, inspection, nuclear power and military field among other areas (Habib & Baudoin, 2010, p. 2). Robotic technology, for example, has been applied by security personnel in the establishment of security threats which may be as a result of weapons containing chemicals, biological, high-yield explosive, nuclear and radiological elements (Jamshidi 1992). With the robots being able to detect the presence of the elements from a distance, the military emergency response personnel are put in a better position to note any changes in the phenomenal balance of the environment. This gives them the ability to establish the areas which are developing or storing weapons of mass destruction. Technical analyses of the robots allow security emergency responders to objectively perform various functions which would not be performed by a normal human being given the conditions at the scene. Robots are used to modify or destroy an otherwise dangerous device which is not directly accessible to the emergency personnel. In the case of emergencies related to nuclear agents, robots have been used in the collection of samples like soil for analysis. Standby Response The use of the robotics has profoundly enhanced the in time response by the emergency response teams. Evidently, the use of robots technology in the military warfare has fostered the response by military personnel to their aggrieved enemies. Robots equipped with various weapons are mounted at the forefront of a given military barrier where they can detect an eminent attack and respond appropriately without being operated by human military personnel. An example of this is the use of the autonomous rotorcraft sniper system which is a remotely controlled sniper rifle on unmanned helicopter which autonomously senses any dangers and responds appropriately. This robot technology has been applied in the maintenance of the safety of the military personnel during urban combats. According to Atwood and Klein (n.d), the Vecna BEAR robot has been able to rescue casualties from places inaccessible to humans. This robotic device is fitted with a laser designed to detect any object spread with biological, chemical or nuclear materials. With a remote control, the Vecna robot is able to search, rescue or be engaged in reconnaissance work in hazardous areas where humans cannot survive but a quick safe and efficient emergency response is needed. Notably, these quick responses has been enhanced by the capability of the robots to locally navigate, detect and recognize objects as well as understand the performance of different tasks such as lifting and dropping of objects and it’s maneuvering to the designated locations. Notably, the movement of the robots from one point to another requires its super ability for critical terrain analysis, deciding on the mode of locomotion, planning and executing sequential and controlled movements devoid of external disturbances. More over, the ability of the robots to withstand long working periods without being exhausted has come in hand in their responsive nature. They do not call for regular servicing and controls since they are designed to maintain and protect themselves through the highly detective sensors. Robots are able function in various settings and conditions and can improve flexibility, productivity and efficiently even as they improve the security and safety of workers (Habib & Baudoin 2010 Abstract). With this characteristic, emergency response is always maintained at the peak. Forecasting Forecasting enhances the ability of the emergency response personnel to adequately prepare and ready themselves to counter any emerging incident. Robot technology has tremendously influenced the predictions by the emergency response personnel on eminent incidents of the chemical, radiological, nuclear, biological and high-yield explosive disasters. Through the continuous monitoring of different scenes by the robots, the personnel are able collect and analyze various data which is vital in the setting up of projections and expected accidents. Impact of Robot Technology on Emergency Management Emergency Responders’ Safety Before the emergence of simulation and robot technology, quick response personnel had to visit the scene to obtain first hand information on the incidence to aid them in their response and rescue operations. Emergency accidents resulting from chemical, radiological, biological, high yield explosives and nuclear are extremely catastrophic with dire consequences to any one who comes across them. The fact that there were no robots exposed them to the adverse effects of the highly radio active chemicals with possible death or disabilities. Robots technology has greatly impacted on the safety of the emergency response personnel. Most of the security snares happen in harsh and prohibitive conditions which may possibly harm the concerned teams in their push for response and rescue operations. Notable of this is a massive nuclear explosion which renders a place unfavorable for human survival due to the emerging radio active gases. Robots for use in search and rescue operations are ruggedly designed and an overcome several constraints (Lau & Ko 2009, p. 123). These robots can navigate through cracks and voids that cannot allow search dogs to traverse for their small sizes. Furthermore, they can find their way beyond obstacles even as they are controlled remotely by operators stationed outside the perimeters of ruins as noted by Lau and Ko (2009). More over, the use of robots has eliminated the problem of inaccessibility since they are able to be remotely controlled to reach the highly hazardous areas. Many areas are made inaccessible by human once a disaster strikes. Lau & Ko (2009) observes that through the use of global positioning systems (GPS) response teams are able to manipulate the robots and direct them to the target scenes. Notably, robots are automated and hence provide the emergency response management with preceding and important information necessary for an effective and adequate planning of their response to safeguard the personnel teams. This leads to more informed decisions which avert the dangers associated with impromptu actions in the absence of enough data. Cost Cutting Emergency response in times of a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and High-yield explosive threats are usually high cost (Lau & Ko 2009). With robot technology in application, harmful chemicals will be prevented from being released in the United States soils cutting on the expenses that would have been incurred in the occurrence of an impromptu incident. Security The use of robots technology has enhanced the secure, management of emergency response systems. Robots have made it easier for the management to monitor all the necessary conditions for a secure response mechanism at the scene of chemical, nuclear or biological material incidence. This has enhanced the detection of invaders and intruders who might be breaching the security apparatus. Robots are manipulated from a secure and safe location where the disseminated data is directly harnessed and archived in safe areas. This has ensured that information does not fall in the wrong hands which could possibly be a security threat Efficiency & Effectiveness Lau and Ko (2009 abstract) argue that robotics has greatly influenced the effectiveness and efficiency of the emergency response systems by enhancing the timely streaming of video and audio information necessary in the making of decisions in search and rescue operations. Great planning of the response measures and procedures has been carried out courtesy of information gathered by the robots which have fostered the predictions of the expected outcome. This has enabled the emergency response personnel to adequately prepare for the incident. More over, for an effective response, the emergency personnel has to priory test several measures and note their performance in solving the underlying happenstance. This is made possible by the use of the robots technology where the robots are manipulated under varying harsh conditions to establish the best way. In addition this comes in hand in the determination of the right personal protective equipment which the emergency response personnel; may require to use in the response and rescue operations. Real Time Information Robots technology has enhanced the reception of real time information on security threats which has been posed by the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-yield Explosive weapons. The emergency response personnel, remotely stationed, are able to receive and convey messages or data that they receive from robots located in target scenes (Richardson, 2011). This real time information is very important in the formulation of vital data on the causes, status and consequences of a given disaster. More over, direct conveyance of information avoids distortion and errors in the data which is used in the decision making. This ensures only informed and effective decisions are formulated. Victim Viability Many chemical and nuclear material disasters result in multiple and severe injuries to the victims and possible death. Significantly, short time rescue operation is important in the elimination of the many deaths which could be prevented through the quick response. Robots have proved effective in some cases as they have been used to deliver food, water and other emergency resources to trapped victims thereby prolonging their lives (Lau & Ko, 2009, p. 123). Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive disasters hinder the accessibility of the victims during rescue operations. This is due to the massive reactions of different materials which result in barriers making the victims invisible to the human emergency response personnel. Remarkably, thermal imaging technology has been applied in robots to enhance the direct monitoring of scene operations. Through this technology the concerned emergency response personnel has been able to eliminate vision obstacles consequently improving on the analysis of the characteristics of the target locality to set the necessary structures to rescue the suffering victims of the accident. Thermal imaging robot technology helps in the detection of objects that could end up being humans. The robots detect objects that emit heat and transit their images to their controllers so that appropriate action could be taken. This greatly increases the chances of detecting humans trapped in rubble and places otherwise inaccessible by humans and search dogs. This also helps in eliminating time lapses between the detection of victims and their ultimate rescue. In addition, un-manned robot equipment have been utilized in performing extreme operations. In scenes where human response personnel are unable to reach such as in raging fires, monitored robots using thermal imaging technology can be used. This technology enables the clearing of the vision for the scenes through eliminating the fire and smoke obstacles for the emergency response teams to access and monitor the conditions at the scene. The robots are designed to withstand this extreme and harsh heat conditions which would not be tolerated by a human emergency responder. Improved Communication For an effective and reliable response management communication must be enhanced to promote the conveyance of information from one end to another. The use of robots technology has been effective in detecting, capturing, amplifying and transmitting the low sounds produced by victims trapped in places inaccessible to rescue teams. They have also been instrumental in conveying messages and instructions to disaster victims from emergency rescue operators. Information is power and so improved communication enhances the accessibility the vital data required to make decisions to perform response and rescue operations at the scenes of incidents. More over, the use of robots is important since a continuous raw and analyzed data is availed to the emergency response teams at regular intervals. This allows the personnel to monitor any changes that may call for any quick measures necessary to avert excessive loses. Conclusion It is widely noted that robot technology greatly influences and impacts on the emergency response systems. Indicatively, robots act as the go between the incident scenes and the emergency response personnel. This is illustrated by their functional and operational role in the monitoring, data collection and its analysis. More over, robots convey this analyzed data to the response teams for decision making. In addition, robots have been shown to perform various emergency activities through their capabilities to detect and recognize emerging threats. Through a laser technology, robots can sense the presence of chemicals, biological, nuclear, radiological and high-yield explosive materials from a distant. Further more, robotics devices can perform various tasks such as maneuvering to human inaccessible locations, modification and destruction of explosives. These have prompted the use of robots in the fight against terrorism and preventing suicide bombers from detonating their bombs. Notably, robots have exhibited several advantages in the process of executing emergency response activities. Remarkably, robots cuts on the costs associated with these responses as they convey the required planning data for adequate planning. More so, the emergency personnel are able to avoid the catastrophic deaths that would occur at the incident scene. Significantly, robots increase the efficiency and effectiveness of a secure emergency response through real time information and enhanced viability of the victims through the use of thermal heat image technology on the robots. References Atwood T. & Klein J. (n.d) Battlefield Extraction- Assist Robot BEAR http://www.botmag.com/articles/04-25-07_vecna_bear.shtml British Nuclear Energy (1993) Remote Techniques for Nuclear Plant: Proceedings of the Conference Organized by the British Nuclear Energy Society, Held at Stratford-upon-Avon on 10-13 May 1993 London Thomas Telford. Habib, M., & Baudoin, K. (2010) Robot-assisted risky intervention, search, rescue and environmental surveillance International Journal of Advanced Robotic Systems, vol. 10, no. 1 pp. 001-008. Homeland Security News Wire (2012) Detecting biological terror agents http://www.homelandsecuritynewswire.com/srlet20120522-detecting-biological-terror-agents Jamshidi, M (1992) Robotics and manufacturing: recent trends in research, education, and applications: proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium on Robotics and Manufacturing (ISRAM '92), held November 11-13, 1992 in Sante Fe, New Mexico, U.S.A. ASME Press. Khatib, O. Sentis, L., Park, J. Warren, J. (2005) Interconnecting Smart Objects International Journal of Humanoid Robotics. Lau, H., & Ko, A. (2009). Intelligent robot-assisted humanitarian search and rescue system. International Journal of Advanced Robotic Systems. Lee, G. Howard, d. Slezak ,D. (2011) Convergence and Hybrid Information Technology: 5th International Conference, ICHIT 2011, Daejeon, Korea, September 22-24, 2011, Proceedings New York Springer. Loffler, J. Klann, M. (2009) Mobile Response: Second International Workshop on Mobile Information Technology for Emergency Responce 2008, Bonn, Germany, May 29-30, 2008, Revised Selected Papers New York Springer. Micire M. (2002). Analysis of the Robotic-assisted Search and Rescue Response to the World Trade Center Disaster. University of South Florida. Florida. Newlaunches.com (n.d) America’s National Nuclear Security Administration has robot to monitor radioactive waste dump http://www.newlaunches.com/archives/americas_national_nuclear_security_administration_has_robot_to_monitor_radioactive_waste_dump.php Richardson, K. (2011). Robots to the rescue?. Engineering & Technology http://eandt.theiet.org/magazine/2011/04/rescue-robots.cfm Spitzer D. (2012) Nanostructured sensor for the detection of very low concentrations of explosive http://www.innovations-report.com/html/reports/life_sciences/synthetic_scent_hounds_195773.html Read More