High school student Emir Azam Alban, who lived through the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes, has developed a robot prototype aimed at supporting search and rescue efforts in debris and mining areas where it is risky for humans to enter.
Alban, an 11th-grade student at Karşıyaka Anatolian High School in Bingöl, prepared the first version of the wheeled robot with a suspension system after about 4-5 months of work with his friends. The prototype is planned to be developed with features such as cameras and 3D mapping in the future.
It was stated that the robot, which has six wheels, two suspension systems, and four fixed motors, can reach a speed of 25 kilometers per hour. Designed to overcome obstacles such as rocky areas, stairs, and ledges of about 5-6 centimeters thanks to its suspension system, the vehicle is being developed specifically for use in narrow and dangerous regions.
EARTHQUAKE EXPERIENCE GUIDED THE PROJECT
Stating that he lived through the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, Alban said the project holds a special meaning for him. Explaining that some of his close acquaintances had relatives trapped under the rubble during the earthquake period, Alban expressed that this experience influenced his perspective on the work.
"I am a survivor of the Kahramanmaraş earthquake. Although none of my friends or acquaintances were trapped under the rubble by chance at that time, some relatives of friends I know were trapped. For this reason, this robot has a special importance for me."
Alban stated that the robot is still in a simple prototype stage, but that they have produced a project open to development. Noting that he and his friends faced various challenges during the project process, Alban said, "It was not a simple project. However, the work we have produced makes me very happy."
Explaining the targeted usage areas of the robot, Alban emphasized that such vehicles are needed in points where it is risky for humans to enter due to gas leaks, collapses, and similar dangers in earthquake debris or mines. According to Alban, when camera and 3D mapping equipment are added to the robot, it could help teams reach the area more safely by mapping the area it is in.
If the development process of the prototype continues, it is aimed to be transformed into a more equipped system that can contribute to search and rescue teams conducting preliminary reconnaissance in dangerous areas.
News Source: 12punto
