Robot helps speed up rescue operations at SLBC tunnel

Deployed by Hyderabad-based Anvi Robotics, the autonomous hydraulic-powered robot will be used to remove debris, excavate soil within the tunnel, say officials

Hyderabad: Following the deployment of an autonomous hydraulic-powered robot, the rescue operations gathered pace at SLBC tunnel accident site on Wednesday.

Officials stated that the robot deployed by the Hyderabad-based Anvi Robotics would be used to remove debris and excavate soil within the tunnel. The robot can operate in hazardous areas inaccessible to human rescue teams.

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The robot can act 15 times faster than humans and it is expected to speed up the rescue efforts in the tunnel. Considering obstacles such as debris, soil dumps, moisture, and oxygen issues inside the tunnel, the authorities decided to deploy the robot to overcome these challenges and make the rescue operations more efficient.

The autonomous hydraulic-powered robot will also pump out mud with the help of a 40 HP pump. Officials mentioned that the robot had the capacity to remove 5,000 cubic metres of soil per hour.

Special Chief Secretary (Disaster Management) Arvind Kumar along with other team members, visited the accident site within the tunnel using a loco train. He took stock of the functioning of the hydraulic-powered robot.

Currently, 12 teams from various central and State agencies are working round the clock in the rescue operations.