DEEP Robotics Makes Breakthrough in Autonomous Search Using Quadrupedal Robots

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DEEP Robotics Co., a global pioneer in the development and industrial application of quadrupedal robots, today announced that a team of five Jueying X20 robots successfully completed a series of autonomous collaborative searches in a trial using eight different scenarios across an unknown environment of 3,000 square meters.

In simulated emergency searches, the robots were tasked to retrieve inflammable and explosive items, as well as rescue injured people. To do this, the five X20 robots were each fitted with a high-resolution panoramic camera, along with a LiDAR and Mesh network. They then coordinated with each other to cover different search areas and complete the tasks.

"Teams working on emergency searches or for site exploration commonly face challenges such as insufficient site data and risks to their personal safety. That's where these robots can provide valuable assistance," said Wei Tang, Head of Algorithm Engineering at DEEP Robotics.

Using laser technology for a synchronous mapping and positioning algorithm, the location environment is mapped. This allows for each robot to be independently allocated different exploration areas and targets in real-time through a collaborative mechanism. The robots can then complete the cluster search of a large range of unknown areas with autonomous navigation and routing.

Wei Tang added: "The success of this trial paves the way for the future adoption of quadrupedal robots in difficult and high-risk environments, supporting or replacing humans in doing life-threatening tasks, while increasing the speed and accuracy during emergency rescue operations."

The breakthrough trial was made possible by DEEP Robotics' advanced algorithm for autonomous coordinated multi-robot exploration. The highly efficient data traffic flow and movement between the five X20 robots means they can navigate in very dynamic environments and are able to choose autonomously the most efficient path while calculating alternatives routes.

Details of the trial and the research findings have been published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

The X20 is the latest edition in the DEEP Robotics Jueying series, which was designed and has been successfully deployed for industrial use since its launch in 2021. The tasks it undertakes include power inspections, emergency rescues, public safety inspections, tunnel, mining and industrial site inspections, and construction site exploration.