South Korea’s Innovative Use of Drones for Search and Rescue
Rebuilding communication networks is crucial during disaster response.
The Republic of Korea Natural Disaster Management Research Institute has obtained a US Patent for a unique drone-based solution. Their idea uses a ground drone with an antenna as a “base station” and an airborne drone equipped with a camera to aid in search and rescue missions. This method helps re-establish damaged communication networks, which is vital for coordinating efforts during emergencies.
The patented system involves a ground drone that carries small wireless repeater modules. These modules are dropped along the drone’s path, creating a strong link between the ground drone and the airborne camera drone. These repeaters can also help restore cell network signals. The process is somewhat reminiscent of Hansel and Gretel leaving breadcrumbs.
A specific description from the patent says:
“A device for establishing a communication network and collecting situation information at a site of a collapse disaster is disclosed. The device includes a ground drone 10 deployed at the site of the collapse disaster, the ground drone 10 having a communication device 80 mounted thereon, a flying drone 32 mounted on and carried by the ground drone 10 to fly and photograph the site of the collapse disaster, a camera device 40 mounted on the ground drone 10 to photograph surroundings of the ground drone 10, a storage 50 installed on the ground drone 10, and a plurality of repeater modules 60 connected by the wireless communication network to relay wireless communications between the ground drone 10, the flying drone 32, and a command and control center 100, wherein the storage 50 accommodates the repeater modules 60, and throws the repeater modules 60 in response to an operation signal.”
You can find more details about this South Korean disaster response drone patent, including the authors, here.
People often rely on technology to make rescue operations faster and safer.
