| Project Detail |
Robots to the rescue
Advancements in robotics, AI, data management, and smart technologies have created opportunities across various sectors. The first responder sector is an example, as these new technologies could improve efficiency and reduce danger to personnel, a critical advantage given the increase in climate-based disasters. In this context, the EU-funded TRIFFID project aims to leverage these advances to develop tools and equipment that will enhance first responder efficiency, response time, and safety. Among these tools are unmanned vehicles using AI and featuring impressive autonomy, augmented reality interfaces, analysis and monitoring technology, and training activities. These tools will also increase the acceptance of robotics in the sector.
TRIFFID targets the development of an integrated approach for maximizing the efficiency of First Responders (FR) field operations, by advancing remote and smart robotic reconnaissance in disaster sites, while integrating it into European Civil Protection (CP) procedures. The project will deliver the following advancements: a) Hybrid, mobile legged UGV+UAV robotic platform for autonomous real-time reconnaissance in dynamic environments. The TRIFFID robots will receive orders in the field by a human FR crew. Yet, the platform will feature an impressive level of low-level cognitive autonomy, thanks to advanced AI, thus minimizing human supervision and freeing FRs from routine tasks. b) Central Ground-Station with an advanced Augmented Reality (AR) interface, managed by a human Operator. The TRIFFID Ground-Station will merge and display all collected information in near-real-time, providing the Operator with an accurate, interactive semantic map of the disaster site. c) Analysis of technological, operational, organizational and policy aspects in the context of the overall FR ecosystem. The design of the TRIFFID system and the specification of its exact capabilities will proceed by considering the current technological landscape, as well as the entire operational environment and organizational structure of FRs, so that effective disaster robotics solutions are gracefully integrated into CP infrastructure. d) FR training activities: The project will exploit complementary means for implementing and boosting the adoption of the TRIFFID system by FR personnel in their everyday activities, including the development of detailed training curricula, the organization of training exercises, knowledge transfer and skill acquisition activities, etc. e) SSH, robot acceptance and industrial engagement: The design and evaluation of TRIFFID will consider in-depth all relevant legal, ethical, societal and usability issues, targeting maximal adoption by FRs in their daily operations. |
