Rescue robot just made for mine disasters
At AUVSI’s (Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International) massive robot conference in D.C. this week, there is no shortage of robots designed to seek out — and in some cases destroy — human targets. Sandia National Labs chose to go in the opposite direction with their Gemini-Scout, a remotely controlled rolling robot designed specifically to lead search-and-rescue efforts in the event of a mining disaster.
When mines collapse, the biggest hindrance to a speedy search and rescue operation is the lack of information. Mining accidents generally bring about a buffet of dangerous conditions: structural weaknesses within the shafts themselves, poisonous vapors, explosive gases, flooded tunnels, etc. Rescue crews can’t charge into such conditions without proper reconnaissance, lest they risk compounding the situation by creating a second disaster on top of the first.
Gemini-Scout is designed to cope with all of these things so it can get down into a mine quickly, searching for survivors and assessing threats so human searchers can get into place as quickly as possible. Its tracked propulsion and articulated suspension allow it to climb rubble piles and crawl over uneven terrain. In the ground demo area at AUVSI, Gemini rolled easily over stair-like obstacles and into the sand and gravel pits, turning tight circles and kicking up a mess before climbing out just as easily. It took 45-degree climbs with no serious problems, and at less than 2 feet tall it maneuvered through tight spaces with ease.
But more specifically to its purpose, Sandia engineers explained, Gemini-Scout can move through up to 18 inches of water while sampling the air for toxic fumes (technically it can operate through deeper water, but doing so would immerse the air sensors on its mast). Those air measurements are critical because the data they collect pave the way for manned rescue operations. They also let rescue personnel know if they are dealing with explosive methane gases or other flammable vapors.
To that end, Gemini-Scout’s electronics are packed in explosion-proof casings. A blast triggered by something else might disable the robot, but its own electronics won’t provide sparks that could trigger a second explosion and complicate a search-and-rescue operation.
A thermal camera helps Gemini-Scout search for survivors and two-way radios allow handlers to communicate with any survivors the robot locates. The robot can even be configured to carry food, air tanks or other supplies to trapped miners, or to drag them to safety.
And because mine disasters can happen unexpectedly anywhere in the world, Sandia engineers wanted to make it operable by just about anyone. Gemini-Scout is controlled with a standard Xbox 360 remote, so virtually anyone comfortable with "Call of Duty" can answer the call of duty in a time of crisis.
10 gadgets you won't believe actually exist
Think about what it must have been like to live 100 years ago. Compared to our high-tech lifestyles today, it must have been like banging rocks together in a cave. In that time we have developed cellphones, computers, the Internet, space travel and more. On the flip side, we've also developed virtual kissing machines and portable watermelon coolers. Truly, we are living in a gilded age.
Travel Trac bike book holderAs you know, biking and reading go together like peanut butter and arsenic, unicycles and steep cliffs or chainsaws and eyepatches. Despite this fact, someone, somewhere thought manufacturing a book holder that can be mounted to bicycles was a good idea. And lest you think this is just for training bikes in your home gym, the sales promo states "It mounts in seconds to virtually any road, mountain or stationary bike." $14.99 — Performance Bicycle
Wearable emergency toiletWhen you are faced with a bathroom emergency do you go a.) go in the woods? b.) Go in an alley? c.) Go in your pants? The answer, of course, is to squat down in a trash bag that has pellets inside that transform liquid waste into a sold, gelatinous goo. At least that's how they are doing it in Japan thanks to this wearable toilet. Japan Probe via Fashionably Geek
SLR Lens iPhone mountThere have been other, even more awkward SLR mounts for iPhones in the past, but none of them compare to this version from Photojojo. What it does is allow you to mount your Canon EOS or Nikon SLR lenses to your iPhone 4/iPhone 3G or 3GS to give your phone “powerful depth of field and manual focus”. Think of it like ripping the engine out of a Ferrari and mounting it on a moped. That's how little sense this makes. $249 —
USB burger hand warmer and massagerRub this USB-powered burger on your tired, aching muscles and feel the tension just melt away like so much gooey cheddar on a grill. It also has a heating element that you can use to warm your hands when it's chilly in the office. Plus, you know it's quality because it comes with a recommendation by both the Hamburglar and Mayor McCheese. $12 — Brando
More craziness from Nerd Approved:
- Gadgets for truly horrible people
- 10 WTF gadgets for the home
- The worst gifts ever
- The Pillow Remote
- Behold, The Turd Twister
Solar-powered bikini
You may be at high risk for skin cancer, but at least your cell phone is full charged. Designer Andrew Schneider has developed a solar-powered bikini that will absorb the sun’s rays and pass them on to your gadgets via a USB connection. Needless to say, taking a dip in the pool could prove catastrophic. If you would like to wear one of these out to the beach next year, custom orders are being taken. Solar Coterie via Fashionably Geek
