In the case of serious accidents, severely injured persons may be trapped inside damaged vehicles and thus must be rescued quickly. Typically, structural parts containing high-strength steels or fiber-reinforced plastics must be cut to generate rescue openings. Hence, mechanical rescue systems like hydraulic shears may reach their performance limits. Therefore, a mobile laser cutting device for rescuers has been developed, being suitable for harsh outdoor conditions and providing optimized robustness, handleability, and weight. A crucial aspect is the requirement of laser safety for all persons involved. Here, the description of the first version of a demonstration system consisting of a mobile laser cutting device for complex rescue operations is presented.
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