Retrofitting a Commercially Available Remote Controlled Boat into an Amphibious Robot for Flood Operations Rescue Surveillance (FlOReS) Assistance

Abstract

This study addresses the persistent challenges posed by recurrent floods in the Philippines, underscoring the vulnerability of communities and the urgent need for proactive disaster response measures. The primary goal of this study is to retrofit a commercially available remote-controlled boat prototype by 3D printing components, making a platform with a surveillance camera with two-way communication into an Arduino-based amphibious robot prototype tailored for flood operations. This technology aims to assist local government units, volunteering groups, and communities in enhancing search and rescue operations during flood incidents by providing crucial information about affected areas. The key objective is to minimize the risk to responders by reducing their exposure to floodwaters and hazardous conditions. This allows them to focus on identifying and assessing victims in hard-to-reach locations during search and rescue operations. This study adapted the DHS-NIST-ASTM International Standard Testing Methods for response robots to assess the amphibious capabilities. The work introduced to this study presents a 3D-printed, Arduino-based amphibious robot prototype to reinforce flood search and rescue operations in the Philippines, prioritizing responder safety and enhancing disaster response efficiency.