Human Controlled Search and Rescue Robot With BLE-based Victim Localization
Human Controlled Search and Rescue Robot With BLE-based Victim Localization
ISSN No:-2456-2165
3 4
Stanley Clarence C. Lao Nicholai Allen A. Regalado
Department of Electronics EngineeringPamantasan ng Department of Electronics EngineeringPamantasan ng
Lungsod ng Maynila Manila, Philippines Lungsod ng Maynila Manila, Philippines
5 6
Ralph Lenard L. Rogel Carl Vince Nathaniel T. Taboada
Department of Electronics EngineeringPamantasan ng Department of Electronics EngineeringPamantasan ng
Lungsod ng Maynila Manila, Philippines Lungsod ng Maynila Manila, Philippines
Abstract:- This study presents the development of a Reference [4] – [5] developed a Bluetooth Low
human- controlled ground search and rescue robot with Energy (BLE) based close detection system that is supported
victim localization using modified BLE beacons and an by terrestrial and aerial robots to determine whether such a
ESP32 camera. The system is designed to aid rescuers system is feasible in the localization and detection of victims
during search and rescue operations, reducing their risk in unfamiliar and complex disaster areas. [6] designed an
by providing ambient conditions and live video footage IoT-based multi-function remote-controlled rescue robot
of the vicinity. The system uses Arduino as its system, which uses several technologies like a sensor Global
microcontroller and HC-12 transceiver modules to Positioning System (GPS), single-chip microcomputer, Wi-
wirelessly control the robot. The system is also equipped Fi, and Android. The system uses multiple technologies to
with a GPS Module and a BLE Beacon to track the provide an auxiliary rescue platform with a multi-agent
location of the robot. Through numerous tests, the robot network that incorporates sensing, motion, communication,
can accommodate the rescuers in the localization of and operating capabilities. [7] developed a semi-autonomous
victims, and the researchers recommend further mobile search and rescue robot for alive human detection.
improving some functions of the robot. Their system uses a PIR sensor for human detection, a
joystick, RF technology for control, an ultrasonic sensor for
Keywords:- Ground Search and Rescue Robot, BLE Beacon, obstacle detection, a gas sensor to detect leaks, and an IP
ESP32 Camera, Global Positioning System (GPS), HC-12 camera to analyze and observe environmental conditions. A
Transceiver Module. PIR sensor at the first level detects people using their
radiated heat. Afterwards, an IP camera at the second level
I. INTRODUCTION and an infrared wave confirm the human presence in
disaster-affected areas.
AS a country under the Pacific Ring of Fire,
Philippines is vulnerable to volcanic eruptions and This paper will supplement the previous studies of [5]
earthquakes [1] and is one of the most susceptible to natural relating to the use of temperature, humidity, gas sensors, and
disasters. In the disaster response phase, where there is a a camera. The previous study did not implement these
limited window with a decreasing likelihood of rescuing features, which would have helped rescuers better
trapped individuals, effective planning of search and rescue understand the disaster environment around possible
operations has a significant impact [2]. The ability to search victims. Aside from that, the paper will also fill the gap left
for and locate trapped survivors after an earthquake or the by [6] in their paper, wherein the wheel structure of their
collapse of a built structure is vital. Urban search and rescue rescue robot has a simple design, lightweight and quick but
teams must intervene manually with caution to prevent struggles when faced with obstacles or complex and rough
subsequent collapses that could endanger the rescuers. terrains. To address this, the researchers will use track
Cluttered debris could make it impossible for anybody to get wheels to provide more maneuverability when it comes to
near the victims, and structures must be propped up before rough terrains such as stairs, slopes, and unstructured
human assistance due to the possibility of more landslides ground, which is especially needed in the aftermath of an
[3]. earthquake. Furthermore, this paper will also fill the gap by
D. System Architecture
Fig 1 General Block Diagram
I. Wireless Controller
G. Robot Mobility
Several testing procedures under different conditions were conducted to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the search
and rescue robot. All experiments were conducted using the integrated parameters and components of the complete rescue robot.
The 100% pass rates indicate that every user successfully detected victims in each condition. This implies an important
level of proficiency and effectiveness in detecting victims using the ESP32 camera. The consistency in the pass rates across
different conditions suggests that the user using the ESP32 camera for live feedback was able to determine the victims in each
condition. However, users must carefully navigate the environment to ensure thorough coverage and accurate detection of victims.
Table 2 T-test Table for Temperature Paired two Sample for Means
Parameter Temperaturewith DHT22 sensor Temperaturewith Galaxy Sensor Application
Sample Mean (°C) 29.27 30.12
Variance 1.25 3.00
Degrees of Freedom 38
t-Value -1.83
p-Value 0.07
Using a two-tailed t-test and a significance level of 0.05, the DHT22 temperature sensor used in each of the four conditions
was found to be accurate enough to determine the temperature of the environment.
Table 3 T-test Table for Humidity Paired two Sample for Means
Parameter DHT22 Humidity Galaxy Sensor Application Humidity
Sample Mean (%) 75.02 50.39
Variance 8.67 6.16
Observation 20 20
Degrees of Freedom 38
t-Value 28.06
p-Value <0.001
Using a two-tailed t-test and a significance level of 0.05, theDHT22 humidity sensor used in each of the four conditions was
found to be inaccurate enough to determine the humidity of the environment.
The post hoc test results with the Tukey HSD test indicate that the conditions presented significantly affect gas concentration
reading in PPM.
Mobility Test
Using a one-sample proportion test, the 100% pass rate for slope and unstructured ground indicates that the search and rescue
robot is capable of navigating slopes and unstructured ground, while the 25% pass rate for stairs suggests that the robot struggles
in navigating stairs or other elevated areas.
Table 6 shows that in an obstructed condition, there is a delay between the control and the robot that increases as the
distance between them increases. It was also examined using linear regression analysis as shown in Figure 11. This is also the
same for the BLE dispenser response time in an obstructed condition.
Table 7 Coordinates Between GPS Module and Mobile Phone GPS for Indoor Condition
MobilePhone Latitude GPS Module Latitude MobilePhone Longitude GPS Module Longitude
14.636235 NA 121.027593 NA
… … … …
14.636235 NA 121.027593 NA
Since the GPS module failed to receive signals indoors, it is concluded that the NEO6M V2 GPS module has low reception
strength in indoor usage.
The communication between the robot and the control system was also reliable. The response time is proportional to the
distance since the computed R squared is 93.1% and fits the line trend. Hence, the significant relationship between response
time and distance can delay the command of the prototype. Furthermore, the response time on dispensing the At a 5%
significance level, it was determined that no significant difference between the actual coordinates values and the coordinates
values from the GPS module exists. t indicates that the GPS module accurately gathers data compared to the Mobile Phone GPS in
an outdoor setting.
With a minimum -70dBm acceptable RSS level for BLE devices, the BLE beacons provided a reliable indoor relative
positioning system.
V. CONCLUSION beacons, results showed that the BLE is an effective tool for
indoor relative positioning.
After conducting several tests under different
conditions, the result shows that the human-controlled search ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
and rescue robot used for victim localization has been able
to accommodate the possible needs of the rescuers in terms The researchers would like to thank Engr. Charles G.
of localizing the victims after an earthquake. The human- Juarizo, Engr. Fernando Victor V. De Vera, Engr. Thaddeo
controlled ground robot for disaster search and rescue S. Garcia, Engr. Eufemia A. Garcia, and Prof. Mark
operations utilized an ESP32 camera to detect victims with Christopher R. Blanco for the opportunity, guidance, and
100% accuracy. Using descriptive statistics, by collecting inspiration provided during this research. They also express
the pass rates for each condition, researchers determined the gratitude to their parents for their love, care, prayers, and
proficiency and effectiveness of the prototype. Subjectively, sacrifices in education. Lastly, researchers acknowledge
users must ensure careful analysis of the provided live God for strength, knowledge, and blessings throughout the
feedback to consider the accurate detection of victims successful completion of the research.
since the prototype will only guide the user in localizing the
victims through the camera. The sensors utilized in the REFERENCES
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