Robotic 'vine' set to revolutionize urban rescue missions

The team from MIT Lincoln Laboratory, in collaboration with the University of Notre Dame, has developed the SPROUT robot, which resembles a vine and is capable of squeezing through rubble. Chad Council, a member of the SPROUT team, explained that urban search and rescue operations are often harsh and relentless, presenting a challenge even for the most advanced technology. The robot aims to assist rescuers in challenging post-disaster environments.

SPROUT, short for Soft Pathfinding Robotic Observation Unit, is a robotic device that can manoeuvre through tight spaces. With its ability to inflate and deflate, the robot can slip beneath collapsed structures. Council explained that the basic functioning of the vine-like robot addresses many issues that other platforms encounter. It is controlled remotely, permitting exploration, area mapping, and discovery of optimal routes through debris.

Currently, SPROUT is operated using joysticks and a screen that displays the robot's camera feed. It can extend to a length of up to 3 metres, and the team is working on increasing this distance to 8 metres. Nathaniel Hanson, the research group leader, noted that although major collapse events are rare, they have devastating impacts. In the future, this technology might be employed not only in rescue operations but also in maintaining military systems or critical infrastructure.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory conducted tests of SPROUT with rescuers at the Massachusetts Task Force 1 training site in Beverly, Massachusetts. These tests enabled scientists to enhance the robot's durability and mobility and improve control. The team plans to undertake a larger field study this spring. Hanson emphasized that this programme has advanced the technology readiness level of the vine-like robots to the point where rescuers can partake in a practical demonstration of the system.