Robotics for Disaster Warning and Response in the UAE

Abstract

Over the past decade, robot systems have become more commonplace and increasingly autonomous. In recent years, first responders have started to use novel technologies at the scene of disasters in order to save more lives. Technologies are also used for early warning, surveillance and to enhance disaster response capabilities. Increasingly, technologies like robots are used for warning people, monitoring compliance, SAR (Search and Rescue), damage assessment, to search disaster sites. In the case of emergency situations, emergency guidance robots are sent inside of buildings or deployed to search for victims, guide evacuees to safety and other unsafe response tasks. This paper explores the application of robotics for disaster warning and response, benefits and factors influencing deployment of robots, in order to justify the effective usage of robotics for disaster management in the UAE (United Arab Emirates). A pilot study is conducted to achieve this aim, with 24 participants selected through random sampling from three emergency organizations in the country. To increase knowledge and usage of robotics for future disaster warning and response in UAE, it is needful to continue to highlight the role of robotics deployment in helping to minimize risks and disaster impacts on first responders and the public.