Research for Civil Security

20 RObOtICSAirShieldairborne Remote Sensing for hazard Inspection by Network Enabled lightweight DronesmotivationWhen investigating, delimiting and combatinglarge-scale hazards, the targeted, rapid and flexibleinspection of a potentially contaminated environmentrepresents a fundamental challenge. Theproject observes hazards that involve the uncontrolledescape of gaseous pollutants of all kinds as,for example, released during major fires.Project description and goalsThe AirShield system is designed to deliver data andforecasts on the actual hazard to the emergencystaff as efficiently as possible. It links a networkedfleet of robotic aircraft equipped with lightweightgas sensory technology to a geo-information systemvia a high-reliability wireless communicationnetwork. The system edits the sensory data acquiredaccording to operation plans and supplies forecastson the hazardous situation, from which efficientprotective measures can then be derived.Innovations and applicationsToday, rescue measures include emergency staffequipped with the corresponding protective clothingbeing brought into the danger zone or specialistsoperating special equipment. The AirShieldsystem will enable a reliable, largely self-organizedsituation analysis while at the same time providingguidelines for the protection of people and the environment.The system is designed to be employed byrescue organizations (fire brigades, disaster management)as well as private companies (e.g. worksfire brigades).Further information:www.airshield.dePotential AirShield operation scenario: Information about hazards is gathered by aerial robots in order to enable ground personnel to define the correspondingprotective measures to be taken (source: notfallinfo-bochum.de)