SOFT ROBOTICS FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT: VINE ROBOT FOR BOREWELL RESCUE

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION: The present invention is a pneumatically operated robotic system and method for borewell rescue operations, known as the 'Vine Rescue Robot." This innovation combines a flexible, vine-inspired robotic structure with pneumatic channels that control movement and enable precise navigation. The Vine Rescue Robot integrates real-time imaging, an Al-

Specification

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION:
The following specification describes a novel approach to disaster management and emergency
rescue operations through the development of a soft robotic device designed specifically for boreweli
rescue missions. This invention integrates flexible, vine-inspired movement mechanics, advanced sensor
technology, and real-time visualisation, enabling precise navigation in complex underground
environments such as borewells. The device's unique capability to manoeuvre through narrow spaces
with minimal disturbance, coupled with tools for in-situ imaging, object grasping, and retrieval, presents
a significant advancement in rescue operations. This invention addresses the critical need for improved
efficiency, reduced risk, and enhanced success rates in borewell rescue missions.
DESCRIPTION:
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of robotic disaster management tools, specifically a soft
robotic device for use in borewell rescue missions. The invention pertains to a flexible, vine-inspired
robotic system designed for effective navigation, object detection, and retrieval in confined underground
spaces.
Background of the Invention
.Borew.eiLa~)d~nts pose a significant challenge in many regions, with children and small animals
often falling into narrow~ deep- llorewells: Cument rescue· methods .are Ja.bQur-intensive and have
limitations in terms of manoeuvrability, safety, and speed, often resulting in delayed re5cue efforts.~ ~
Traditional tools struggle to navigate the tight spaces of borewells, increasing the risk of complications
and prolonging the rescue process.
There is a pressing need for a soft robotic device that can navigate narrow vertical structures like
borewells wtth minimal disturbance and efficiently retrieve trapped individuals or objects. Existing robotic
solutions for confined space navigation lack the flexibility, adaptabiltty, and precision required for such
critical rescue operations.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention introduces a soft, vine-inspired robotic device - refemed to as the 'Vine
Rescue Robot'- engineered for navigating and rescuing individuals or objects trapped in borewells. The
robot utilises soft robotics technology, inspired by the growth and movement of vines, to allow effective
navigation through confined spaces with minimal disruption.
The Vine Rescue Robot incorporates advanced sensors and imaging capabilities for real-time
situational awareness, alongside tools for object detection, gripping, and retrieval. These features provide
rescue operators with enhanced control and visibility, improving the speed and success rates of borewell
rescues while minimising risks to trapped individuals
Detailed Description of the Invention
The invention consists of several key components and features:
1. Pneumatically-Operated Robotic Structure: The robot utilises a pneumatic pressure system to
control its soft, flexible structure, which mimics the movement of vine plants. This pneumatic
mechanism enables the robot to extend, contract, and navigate confined spaces like borewells with
minimal disturbance. Internal channels are also designed to deliver essential supplies, such as
water, air, or oxygen, to trapped individuals, ensuring their safety during rescue operations.
2. Navigation System: The robot's advanced navigation system, guided by real-time data from
sensors and AI algorithms, enables it to move precisely within borewells. The pneumatic pressure
system is finely controlled to adjust the robot's movement in response to environmental conditions
and obstacles, ensuring stability while delivering critical supplies.
3. Real-time Imaging: Integrated high-resolution imaging sensors provide continuous visual feedback,
allowing operators to monitor the borewell interior and the trapped individual's condition. This
imaging capability, combined with the pneumatic movement control, enables operators to deliver
water, air, or oxygen with high precision and to assess the immediate rescue environment effectively.
4. · Object Detection, Retrieval, and Supply Delivery Mechanism: The pneumatic channels in the
Vine Robot not only support movement but also allow the robot to safely deliver supplies such as
'I water or air to the trapped individual. Additionally, the robot's soft, adaptable gripping mechanism is
pneumatically powered, allowing it to secure objects or individuals safely.
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5. AI-D riven Analysis and Control: The robot's AI module processes data from sensors and imaging
to-optimise-the pneumatic.control sy~e_m _fQr smooth navigation, obstacle avoidance, and supply
delivery. The AI continuously monitors conditions- Witliin-the boli!Well, adjusting the· pneumatic
pressure to provide a stable and responsive rescue operation.
Advantages of the Invention
• Pneumatic Precision and Flexibility: The pneumatic operation provides precise control of the.
robot's movement within confined spaces, enabling safe and accurate supply delivery, even in
complex environments.
• Essential Supply Delivery: Pneumatically powered channels for water, air, or oxygen enhance
the robot's ability to stabilise and support the trapped individual, significantly improving the
chances of a successful rescue.
• Enhanced Safety: The soft, pneumatically controlled design ensures minimal wall disturbance
in the borewell, making the Vine Rescue Robot a safe and reliable tool for rescue operations .
Applications
The primary application of the Vine Rescue Robot is in borewell rescues, where it can be used
not only to retrieve trapped individuals or objects but also to provide critical supplies like water, air, and
oxygen during the rescue. This capability makes it an invaluable tool in emergency scenarios, particularly
for stabilising victims who may require essential resources before a full rescue can be accomplished.

CLAIMS:
We claim:
Claim 1. A borewell rescue device, comprising:
a. A soft, flexible robotic structure capable of navigating within confined spaces
like borewells, designed to minimise wall disturbance during rescue
operations;
b. A sensor array integrated within the robotic structure for real-time detection
and monitoring of borewell parameters, including depth and obstacles;
c. An imaging module operatively connected to the robotic system, configured
to capture high-resolution images of the borewell interior for situational
assessment;
d. An internal supply delivery system designed to transport water, air, or oxygen
to the trapped individual. ·
Claim 2. The borewell rescue device of Claim 1, wherein the robotic structure incorporates an AI
module that analyses data from the sensor array and imaging module, providing realtime
navigation support, diagnostic insights, and adjusting the supply of water or air
based on the individual's condition.
Claim 3. The borewell rescue device of Claim 1, further comprising a gripping mechanism
designed to safely secure and retrieve objects or individuals from wtthin the borewell,
minimising potential hanm, while also allowing the supply delivery system to remain in
operation.
Claim 4. The borewell rescue device of Claim 3, wherein the gripping mechanism is constructed
from soft materials, ensuring safety and stabiltty during retrieval and while providing
essential supplies.
Claim 5. The borewell rescue device of Claim 1, wherein the device is equipped with modular
components; allowing customisation-of-sensors, imaging modules, retrieval tools, and ·
supply channels for varying borewell environments.
Claim 6. The borewell rescue device of Claim 1, further comprising a communication module that
transmits rea~time data, imaging, and diagnostic infonmation, including supply levels and
delivery rates, to remote rescue teams.
Claim 7. The borewell rescue device of Claim 1, wherein the robotic system includes an obstacle
detection feature that enables automatic adjustments to navigate around borewell
obstructions and ensure uninterrupted supply delivery.
Claim 8. A method of operating a borewell rescue device, compiising:
i. Navigating the flexible robotic structure within the borewell to perfonm real-time
monitoring and imaging;
ii. Analysing collected data using an AI module to guide navigation and identify
obstructions;
iii. Engaging the supply delivery system to provide water, air, or oxygen to stabilise
the trapped individual; ·
iv. Activating the gripping mechanism to secure and retrieve the individual or object
while maintaining the flow of essential supplies.

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