From September 12th - 23rd, National Science Foundation-funded researchers aided World Trade Center recovery efforts. University of South Florida engineering professor Robin Murphy and three graduate students took six urban search and rescue robots to "ground zero" in New York to help find survivors. Murphy's 11-day mission was a part of a larger team that recovered remains of six victims. Murphy's robots are unique in that they are small and can maneuver in very tight situations. Tethered and fitted with headlights and cameras, these robots bring distinct advantages to a rescue mission the magnitude of the World Trade Center attacks where the damage is massive and recovery very dangerous. Although they cost between $10,000 and $40,000, Murphy foresees search-and-rescue robots becoming standard equipment in fire departments across the country.

Credit: National Science Foundation & University of South Florida/CRASAR

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