Sandia's Gemini-Scout to Help Rescue Miners

In a news release dated August 16th, Sandia National Laboratories announced the development of a robot, dubbed the Gemini-Scout, intended to explore mines in the aftermath of an accident. From the press release:

In the first moments after a mining accident, first responders work against the clock to assess the situation and save the miners. But countless dangers lurk: poisonous gases, flooded tunnels, explosive vapors and unstable walls and roofs. Such potentially deadly conditions and unknown obstacles can slow rescue efforts to a frustrating pace.

To speed rescue efforts, engineers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a robot that would eliminate some of the unknowns of mine rescue operations and arm first responders with the most valuable tool: information.

Developed over a period of three years with funding from The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Gemini-Scout was demonstrated last week at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International Unmanned Systems North America symposium.