OceanAlpha has announced the successful exhibition of its Dolphin 1 rescue unmanned surface vessel (USV) during the Unmanned Tactical Request Conference (UTAC) 2021, which simulated a real-time disaster response scenario involving water rescues amid severe flooding.
Taking place in Georgia, USA, UTAC 2021 attracted numerous law enforcement and emergency management professionals, showcasing a range of realistic situations that highlighted the advantages of unmanned systems technology. These scenarios included an active shooter incident, tracking a fugitive, and responding to natural disasters.
In the water rescue exercise, a street was inundated with 2 meters of water, forcing evacuees to seek refuge on rooftops. Some individuals fell into the floodwaters, while others were trapped beneath the surface, facing uncertain conditions.
To enhance operational efficiency, multiple unmanned vehicles were deployed simultaneously. A drone was utilized to drop life jackets and medical supplies to those stranded on rooftops, ensuring their safety. Meanwhile, a responder launched the Dolphin 1 from dry land to assist a potential drowning victim. After confirming that the individual had grasped the USV’s nonslip handrails, the responder remotely activated the vessel to transport the victim back to safety.additionally, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) equipped with high-definition cameras and sonar was deployed, providing crucial data to assist divers in executing a swift point-to-point rescue.
Ran Zhang, the general manager of OceanAlpha, stated, “The integration of robotics and unmanned technology significantly reduces the risks faced by emergency responders. We have dedicated substantial resources to ensure that the Dolphin 1 is both user-friendly and robust. Users can master its operation in just a few minutes.”
Ryan English,CEO of FLYMOTION and host of UTAC 2021,emphasized the importance of technology,saying,“The ability to deploy technology in situations where human presence is typically required can be life-saving. These departments will return with enhanced skills in utilizing this technology, ultimately ensuring the safety of their communities and colleagues.”
