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Effectiveness of robots in mine rescue operations
Experts on effectiveness of robots in mine rescue operations
A military robot sent into the Pike River mine to survey conditions has broken down, mine officials confirmed at a press conference this morning.
The multi-purpose robot carried four cameras, which it was hoped would return images to engineers of the mine's interior. Officials said the robot had stalled a short distance into the mine
The Science Media Centre contacted world leading experts with journalists' questions about the track record of robots in search and rescue operations carried out in mines - see their comments below.
"It is always a long shot to use any robot for a situation or environment that it's not designed for-- and we are still learning about what is needed for underground mine rescue," said rescue robot expert Professor Robin Murphy of Texas A&M University.
"The environment is tough -- dark, wet, cold so even on a level floor that would be easy for a person to walk on a 'regular' robot can quickly short out, get its sensors covered in muck, mechanically seize up, or the operator make a mistake."
Superintendent Gary Knowles told reporters at the press conference that the military robot will "no longer be used". More advanced robots would be sought from the United States and Western Australia.
ENDS
Science Media Centre NZ
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