California-based company Squishy Robotics is revolutionizing emergency response with their groundbreaking robot designed to assist first responders in dangerous and high-risk situations. Originally intended for missions on Mars or the Moon, Squishy’s robot has found a crucial purpose here on Earth. By accurately gauging environmental hazards and providing essential information, this versatile device ensures the safety of first responders in situations like wildfires, car crashes, and war zones.
Squishy Robotics initially received a grant of $500,000 from NASA in 2014 to research the robot’s mobility in zero gravity environments using gas thrusters. These thrusters allow the robot to reach areas in space that are inaccessible to astronauts. However, the robot has now transitioned to on-ground operations and has been integrated with drones for aerial missions.
In February, Squishy’s robot was deployed by a drone to inspect derailed propane tanks in Florida. It not only conducted a visual inspection but also actively monitored air quality and successfully detected gas leaks, potentially preventing a major disaster. The robot’s durability has been tested in various challenging scenarios, including being airdropped from an airplane at a height of 1,000 feet and squeezed into a compact space under a rubble pile to simulate a rescue operation.
The secret to the robot’s durability lies in its unique web-like structure that evenly distributes impact forces, protecting its central sensors. These sensors play a crucial role in capturing and relaying real-time information to first responders. Squishy Robotics has engaged with 300 first responders to gather insights into how the robot can be further optimized for rescue operations.
With its advanced capabilities and potential for further development, Squishy Robotics represents a promising future for emergency response technology. Through the transformation from space exploration to life-saving applications, the company has shown innovation and dedication to prioritizing human safety during critical rescue missions.
Sources:
– Squishy Robotics website