Milrem Robotics' Multiscope Rescue UGV showcases capabilities during urban search and rescue exercise

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During the first week of September, Milrem Robotics’ Multiscope Rescue UGV was utilized by the Estonian Disaster Relief Team (EDRT) during an urban search and rescue (USAR) exercise in the main training facility of the Estonian Rescue Board in Väike-Maarja, Estonia.

Using the UGV, the rescue equipment of two USAR units was transported to the operation area, allowing members of the unit to save their energy and reach survivors quicker.

“In real life urban search and rescue operations such as earthquakes, we use buses or vans to get our equipment to where it is needed. However, it is quite difficult to reach the exact point where you will use the gear with a bus due to narrow passages,” explains Ivar Frantsuzov, expert in the Estonian Rescue Board.

“A UGV of this size could get closer to where we need the equipment, hence we do not have to spare two people to carry things and they can use that time and energy for the actually rescue.”

Frantsuzov adds that during the exercise, medics also found that the UGV is the ideal height to administer first aid to the wounded on a stretcher attached on top of one of the UGVs track modules instead of doing it in the dirt and rubble.

During future exercises, the EDRT wants to test the UGV during rope rescue using the vehicle as an anchor point.

Built to carry a maximum payload of 1,200 kilograms, the Multiscope UGV can also be used for clearing the cave-in area of debris usually consistent of heavy concrete blocks, which is typically done by hand. The UGV could also be equipped with gas detectors to determine if the area is safe for the USAR units.

A camera feed can be used to see where the vehicle is going, facilitating remote operations of the Multiscope. In safer areas, the operator can move with the vehicle.

When equipped with intelligent functions, the UGV can move itself from point A to point B. It can also independently follow the operator.

Photo below: During an urban search and rescue (USAR) exercise, medics found that Milrem Robotics’ Multiscope Rescue UGV is of optimal height to administer first aid to the wounded on a stretcher attached on top of one of the UGVs track modules instead of doing it in the dirt and rubble. Photo courtesy of Milrem Robotics.