Search & Rescue
“Search & Rescue” – a cartoon that illustrates how AI and robotics are improving disaster relief efforts.
A 2021 study revealed that the fatality rate for those trapped beneath debris for more than 24 hours was 96% compared to 26% for those trapped less than 24 hours.
To address this new technology companies are using AI to help with analysis and new versatile robots where it is too dangerous for humans to venture.
For example, FLIR Systems produces thermal imaging cameras and sensors that can be integrated into drones and ground robots, enabling the detection of heat signatures from survivors, even in low-visibility conditions.
Scientists at Osaka University in Japan have taken this further by using a new delivery mechanism, tapping into insects (e.g. cockroaches).
Rather than building complex AI models or competing with high-tech robotics, these critters are outfitted with a ‘back-pack’ to provide directional guidance.
Some of the notable advantages of these biohybrids are lower energy use and little need for training, since we’ve all probably found insects crawling away from us (or perhaps towards us) on a veritable obstacle course of kitchen floors, bathrooms and sand.
However, Miriam Filippi, leader of the Bio-hybrid Robotics group at ETH Zurich’s Soft Robotics Lab, believes we are only a couple of years away from “robots that could replicate the dexterity, adaptability, and energy efficiency of living organisms.”
Sources:
Callum Burroughs (Feb 20, 2025) – This AI startup founded by ex-Googlers just raised $35 million. Check out the 12-slide pitch deck Bioptimus used to land the funds. – Business Insider
John Werner (Dec 08, 2024) – MIT Spin-Out Combines AI And Bio-manufacturing To Regenerate Forests – Forbes
Brian Heater (Apr 10, 2024) – Muscle tissue harvested from mice cells move ‘biohybrid’ robots – Tech Crunch
