Robots to the Rescue?

The last time I was in Kigali a small earthquake hit the western part of the country. I was asleep at the time, but when I realized what was happening I thought about how to get out of my room and into the courtyard if I needed to. I didn't. It was just a tremor and everything was fine.

But what if it's not? What if you're in Kigali in one of the thousands of mud brick homes in the city when a more serious quake strikes? If you get caught in the rubble you'll hope that someone finds you. You might be lucky and be found quickly but in these kinds of situations many people aren't lucky.

Which is why this story is so cool. Imagine how many other ways robots could be used in humanitarian situations . . . wouldn't it great to have them put out the gas fires? Or what about delivering water or emergency medicines to people who are trapped (until rescue workers can get to them)? Scientists meet the humanitarians. . . of course, lots of scientists are humanitarians, but seeing how some of their work applies directly to aid efforts makes the connection clear.

The photo--from the first story-- is of a mini-helicopter fitted out with a surveillance camera.

- Karol