It is possible that first responders will use robots in the near future. The hope is that the robots can be sent in to survey scenes without using up precious time or putting lives at risk unnecessarily. Robots could enter areas that are contaminated and/or structurally unsound.
The military, police and fire departments, search and rescue teams, and many other agencies already use robots. It is only natural that first responders use this type of technology.
Texas Task Force 1 Director, Bob McKee, states: “I feel strongly that robots will be a valuable asset in the near future for search and rescue teams from around the world. They have tangible benefits that can supplement rescuers.
…Robots are going to be an extension of the emergency responder. You can never take the person out of the response. The understanding, the training and the feeling that comes from a human can’t be duplicated. These robots are going to be able to extend our skill further into rubble piles. They are going to be able to provide better surveillance and sensors to us overhead, and they are going to help responders stay safe themselves.”
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