KNOBSAR: A knowledge based system prototype for robot assisted urban search and rescue

Few disasters inspire more compassion for victims and families than those involving structural collapse situations. Media audiences also sympathize, however, with heroic rescue personnel who are faced with a tremendously complex, hazardous, and often frustrating task environment. Rescue activities in the aftermath of recent earthquakes and bombings indicate a tremendous need for greater access to denied areas within any crisis site involving collapsed structures. Recent developments in the remote inspection industry show great potential for employment of small robotic microrover systems in expanded roles for Urban Search and Rescue (USAR). Similar progress in computer science research indicates an increasing role for simulation oriented modeling and intelligent decision support tools in USAR resource management procedures. This paper discusses key issues In the application of robotic systems to Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) activities and discusses ongoing development of a knowledge based system for efficient management of automated search assets.