November 30, 2011 12:00 PM
Accidents, mostly gas explosions in coal mines, killed 71 U.S. miners in 2010. Collapsed mines are dangerous for rescuers, making robots ideal first responders. But it takes a rugged machine to survive an underground emergency. The 190-pound Gemini-Scout Mine Rescue Robot, designed at Sandia National Labs, is built for the job. The Mine Safety and Health Administration may deploy the bot in 2012.
1. Extrasensory Perception
Gas sensors and a thermal camera can detect imperiled miners.
2. Superhuman Strength
The 4-foot-long 2-foot-high robot is strong enough to drag a survivor to safety.
3. Impervious to Damage
Electronics are housed in waterproof casings to prevent methane gas explosions.
4. Easy to Relate To
An Xbox 360 controller makes operation intuitive to users.
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