Empathy:

Engaging the heart:

(Source – https://edition.cnn.com/2023/02/06/europe/turkey-syria-earthquake-tuesday-intl-hnk/index.html)

We chanced upon a news article about an earthquake happening in Turkey, where many of the survivors were trapped underneath the city rubble. The weather was cold (close to 0 deg C at night) and visibility was poor. Many basic infrastructure were lacking due to the earthquake – blocked roads, collapsed water tanks, insufficient food and medical supply. Furthermore, aftershocks continued after the initial quake, causing more buildings to collapse and threatening rescue efforts. Helicopters could not takeoff safely to support the rescue operations.

As summarized by WHO director-general: ” It is a race against time “. The golden window was getting rescued within 72 hours – where victims stand the highest probability of surviving, especially in those harsh weather conditions.

(Source – https://edition.cnn.com/2023/02/06/europe/turkey-syria-earthquake-tuesday-intl-hnk/index.html)

We continued to follow the news about the Turkey earthquake. The death toll continued to rise throughout the days. Going beyond the golden window of 1 week, there were still reports of victims calling for help beneath the rubble. We really felt for the victims and their families – how terrifying and painful it must be for them, being able to hear them calling for help but unable to rescue them. (https://edition.cnn.com/2023/02/14/europe/turkey-earthquake-voices-heard-under-rubble-intl-hnk/index.html) In 2 weeks, the death toll reached 40,000 victims, surpassing 50,000 victims by the 3rd week.

(Source – https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/scdf-advance-team-arrive-adana-southern-turkiye-assist-earthquake-rescue-effort-3263511)

In our research, we learnt that Singapore sent an elite Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART) from the SCDF, comprising of a total of 68 members to assist in the rescue operations. Singapore was amongst about 100 countries who form the 9000 personnel international aid provided to assist in the Turkey earthquake rescue operations.

Our hearts were with the victims and it sparked us to Define some problems that the earthquake victims faced.

Define:

Problem Statement:

How can we design a snake robot to move through tight spaces and provide sustenance for earthquake victims?

Objectives:

A manoeuvrable robot snake to reach trapped earthquake victims, that can bring a payload (water/air/food) to improve survivability. This includes a suite of sensors and cameras for navigation.