Rescue robots compete to save dolls in distress

April 22, 2008 | Source: NewScientistTech

Robots in this year’s RoboCup Rescue competition in China this July must navigate a complex three-dimensional maze, using their sensing and mapping abilities to sniff out toy dolls that either emit CO2, give off heat, make noise, or move.

The competition aims to stimulate development of robots to help humans in dangerous situations, like collapsed buildings or after a chemical spill.

The competition will include a “manipulation challenge” that awards extra points to robots that can deliver handheld radios or water bottles to victims trapped in tight spaces.