The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M), have developed an innovative wearable technology designed to assist first responders during search-and-rescue operations. Known as Ubiqmap, this technology enables the mapping of indoor environments in real-time, even under challenging lighting and environmental conditions, crucially without the need for line-of-sight or reliance on conventional, often unreliable, infrastructure.
The system, which leverages radio frequency-based imaging, uses a method called radio tomographic imaging (RTI). In an environment where time is of the essence, Ubiqmap ensures that rescue teams can efficiently navigate through hazardous, often low-visibility areas such as collapsed buildings or disaster zones where traditional visual mapping tools fail. By equipping first responders with wearable transceivers, the technology auto-updates and generates accurate floor plans based on the movement and interaction of radio signals sent by the devices.
“Ubiqmap offers a robust, portable tool for first responders that doesn’t rely on visible light or large computational resources. It allows them to understand the layout of an indoor space, even in complex scenarios where visibility is compromised,” explained Prof Ayon Chakraborty from IIT-M’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering, who led the research team. He added that the team had filed an Indian patent for the technology, marking an important step in the country’s push towards more efficient disaster management.
The core function of Ubiqmap lies in its ability to track objects or people by measuring variations in the strength of radio signals. Fixed wireless transceivers communicate with each other, and any change in the environment—such as the presence of people, debris, or structural barriers—alters these signals. By processing these changes, the system is capable of constructing detailed maps of the indoor space in real time.
This real-time mapping functionality is particularly vital in emergency situations, where timely and precise information can make all the difference. The Ubiqmap system goes beyond simply creating floor maps; it can also discern the material properties of structures, such as distinguishing between drywall, concrete, or metal. This capability allows first responders to tailor their rescue strategies, identifying which areas are safe to navigate and which may be at risk of collapse.
The system can complement existing technologies like cameras and can also be integrated with Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) techniques, further enhancing the operational efficiency of rescue teams. The technology was initially tested in controlled environments, including several residential units at IIT-M, and the team is now working on a wearable prototype for real-world disaster situations.
“We are now preparing for field trials, where the technology will be tested in real-life emergency scenarios,” Prof Chakraborty said. The team’s development promises to have far-reaching implications for improving safety and operational efficiency in disaster scenarios, where every second counts.
Given India’s increasing vulnerability to natural and man-made disasters, technologies like Ubiqmap are pivotal in ensuring that rescue teams can act swiftly, safely, and with the most accurate information possible. The success of such innovations could play a crucial role in future disaster management strategies, significantly improving the nation’s preparedness and response capabilities.
IIT-M Technology Revolutionises Disaster Rescue Operations
