IIT Mandi & Palakkad researchers develop drowning detection robot

Recently, researchers from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi and Palakkad have developed a drowning detection robot. This research focuses on developing a prototype of an underwater robot and evaluating its performance in investigative use.

Why is it needed?

• At present, it is difficult to carry out investigation, monitoring and exploration operations on the bottom of sea and dams using existing machines. There are many threats to the lives of divers involved in these expensive search operations. To find a solution to this problem, researchers from the prestigious IIT Mandi and Palakkad have prepared a marine robot.
• In this context, Jagdeesh Kadiyam, assistant professor and researcher of AI and Robotics Center at IIT Mandi, has given important information. His research focused on developing a prototype of an underwater robot and evaluating its performance in investigation and exploration applications.
• This robot has been designed to work in the sea and also in the reservoirs and dams present on the earth.

The robot proved its worth on several levels:

• It proved its capability in many experiments and simulations (testing on computer). Testing the robot's performance in various conditions helped to understand the specific equipment and coordination that would be required for a particular mission.

Benefits of robots:

• Robots can be sent inside the sea, reservoirs and dams. It will reduce the cost of campaigns, prove to be more effective and reduce risks. It could be used in monitoring, investigation and relief operations of hydropower projects.

Challenges faced in preparing the robot:

• According to Palakkad researcher Shantakumar, developing robots for maritime missions is challenging. These major challenges can be seen in the following points:
  • Choosing those elements which do not rust easily,
  • Making equipment waterproof,
  • To prepare a structure capable of withstanding extreme water pressure in the depths of the sea.

Increasing dependence on marine robots in future:

• With the advent of new technologies, our dependence on marine robots will increase in the near future.
• On the other hand, many big dams around the world are aging, their constant monitoring is necessary.
• To test their strength, modern methods will have to be adopted instead of traditional ones.

About Indian Institute of Technology (IIT):

• The Indian Institutes of Technology are top institutions for engineering education and research. Currently, there are twenty-three Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
• All are governed by the Institutes of Technology Act, 1961. Due to which they have been declared as "Institutions of National Importance". This Act sets out their powers, duties, framework for governance etc. The main objectives of IIT mainly include:
  • Delivering world-class engineering and technology education.
  • To conduct research in relevant areas.
  • To advance learning and dissemination of knowledge.
• These institutions are also making significant contributions to education and research in the basic sciences and humanities.