The project involves seven European universities, two companies and the end-user Italian Alpine Club (CAI). The research team is led by professor Lorenzo Marconi of University of Bologna, and their aim is to develop innovative solutions to speed up search and rescue operations in case of avalanches.
Search and rescue missions of people caught in avalanches have to be fast and accurate. The UNIBO drone is equipped with an ARTVA receiver and other sensors, and is able to fly over large areas and to locate missing persons in a short period of time.
After several tests inside the laboratory, Marconi and his team of researchers decided to test the prototype in the Pila ski resort in the Alps. The drone was tested together with the Val d'Aosta Mountain Rescue team. The tests focused mainly on flight performance in bad weather conditions, and on the accuracy of detecting the signal of a transmitter situated under snow.
After two days of testing, the team of researchers is very satisfied of the results, said UNIBO researcher Roberto Naldi: “All tests on the functionality of the drone reported positive results. However, some changes have to be made in order to adjust the communication range and battery life to cold weather conditions”.
The tests were performed at altitudes of 2000 meters and above, under normal winter conditions: temperatures below zero degrees Celsius and moderate snowfall and fog.
The researchers plan to adapt and use the drone for search and rescue missions in mountain areas that are frequented by hikers and tourists during summertime. Also, under the SHERPA project, researchers will work on the development of heterogeneous robotic platforms.
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