RESCUER aims at a clear and direct impact on the single person that is a FR operating in the field. RESCUER contributes comprehensively to the expected impact addressed in the call, the priorities set out by the International Forum to Advance First Responder Innovation (IFAFRI), where the EU has decided to participate, the technical and scientific impacts that correspond to direct benefits for the whole gamut of emergency management use cases considered, other societal impacts beyond the expected impact, as well as to European competitiveness.

Technical/scientific impact

  • Head Mounted Situational Awareness Enhancement
  • Augmented vision under adverse weather conditions based on lightweight convolutional neural network architectures at the edge.
  • Enhanced hearing with novel smart hearable devices that optimize human voice.
  • Radar sensing and remote touching with the combined use of AI and RF/ microwave/ mm-wave radar platforms, edge computing and local linear resonant or eccentric rotating mass actuators in portable and/or detachable platforms
  • Augmented olfaction through environmental sensors in a portable platform.
  • Signs of life detection through extensive use of AI and modifications in the RF/microwave/mm-wave radar platforms.
  • Cognitive load balancing and Information prioritization
  • Visual-based self-localization based on helmet- attached 360o cameras
  • Inertial-based self-localization taking into account ego-motion, based on low-cost on-board devices, such as magnetometers and gyroscopes.
  • Galileo-assisted self-localization
  • Wireless device perception with device discovery and real-time data exchange
  • Ad hoc communication network based on off-the-shelf communication modules with standard protocols
  • Emergency Building Black Box designed based on black box survivability designs and able to be accessed by mobile (market available) devices and off-the-shelf wireless sensors.

Societal impact

  • Minimising FRs’ occupational health and safety risks
  • Combatting the spread of panic in disaster situations
  • Strengthening the societal image of FRs
  • Familiarising professionals and the general public with emerging technology