Federal agencies tested three unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) systems in simulated emergency scenarios to evaluate whether commercially available robots meet first responders’ operational needs.
The four-day assessment at EPA’s Region 2 Laboratory in Edison, New Jersey, in August, brought together responders from six states to evaluate how UGVs perform in hazardous materials incidents, disaster search and rescue, and emergency medical situations, according to the Department of Homeland Security’s December 16 press release.
UGVs can provide situational awareness, enable two-way communication, and detect hazards while keeping human responders at safe distances.
“This assessment of UGVs is a direct result of input from emergency responders from a diverse set of agencies and missions, highlighting how useful these technologies can be in a broad scope of operations,” said Tyler Mackanin, test lead at DHS’s National Urban Security Technology Laboratory.
The evaluation tested robots from Boston Dynamics, Teledyne FLIR, and Ghost Robotics through scenarios mirroring real-world emergencies. Company representatives provided on-site support during the exercises.
In the hazmat scenario, responders used handheld controllers to navigate UGVs through a simulated chemical spill in a warehouse. The robots identified mock hazardous materials, took sensor readings, and transmitted video footage to operators positioned outside.
“These technologies can be equipped with sensors that can identify hazardous chemicals and relay critical data back to teams positioned at safe remote distances, enabling them to determine the best approach for containment and mitigation,” Mackanin said.
The disaster response exercise challenged UGVs to traverse rubble piles simulating a building collapse. Robots navigated slopes of concrete, metal, gravel, and dirt while locating mock victims and transmitting data.
“UGVs can reach areas inaccessible or potentially harmful to human rescuers, allowing teams to scout for hazards and safe entry points to make real-time, informed decisions about how to proceed,” said Mackanin.
For the medical emergency scenario, evaluators sent robots into a multi-story building with stairs and obstacles. The UGVs located role players acting as victims and assessed their conditions using cameras and sensors.
“This is another great example of how cameras and sensors can provide data to guide responders in planning rescue efforts,” Mackanin said. “UGVs can minimize the risk to responders and enable communication with individuals in distress before it’s safe for EMS personnel to enter with the necessary equipment.”
Responders evaluated 20 criteria across three categories: capability, usability, and deployability. Specific requirements included manipulator arms for opening doors, adaptable communications systems, swappable batteries, and the ability to climb stairs.
The National Urban Security Technology Laboratory will release assessment results through its System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders program. The findings will help agencies make informed purchasing decisions as UGV technology continues to evolve.
