Radar capable of detecting live movement in rubble being developed

Faculty members from the MEÜ Faculty of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Prof. Dr. Caner Özdemir, Dr. Hakan Işıker, and Dr. Betül Yılmaz, launched the "Under-Rubble Life Detection and Imaging Radar Project" on August 1.

Within the scope of the project, a prototype of a radar capable of detecting the presence of life in rubble or debris caused by disasters has been developed.

For the device designed in the laboratory, the team created artificial rubble in special rooms. In the trials conducted there, it was determined that the radar could detect the heartbeat, hand, head, and chest movements, as well as the breathing of living beings in the rubble.

POSITIVE RESULTS OBTAINED IN THE FIRST STAGE

Prof. Dr. Özdemir told reporters that they accelerated their work on "through-the-wall imaging systems" following the earthquakes on February 6.

Stating that the project has received support from TÜBİTAK, Özdemir said, "We obtained positive results in the first stage. We were able to see the presence of life, especially at close ranges from 20 centimeters to 2 meters. The distance can be increased further depending on the characteristics of the rubble."

Özdemir explained that the radar could be used by relevant organizations working in disaster areas and that the device would support rescue operations.

Expressing that the device has remote sensing capabilities, Özdemir spoke as follows:

"The radar sends electromagnetic signals, allowing the signal to penetrate under the rubble. It collects the returning signal, and we process it. We evaluate the image using signal and image processing techniques. Is there a living being there, what is the condition of the living being, are they breathing, what kind of movements are they making? We are trying to detect these."

Özdemir stated that the device can work on concrete, brick, cinder block, and wooden structures, adding that the project will be ready for mass production at the end of the 12-month design process.