By CHRISTOPHER BRYAN GARCIA
For the first time, FEU Tech – through its Electronics Engineering iTamaraws-received a research grant from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to develop a technology that will improve the government’s search and rescue efforts during calamities.
Samantha Monique Bautista, Khay Esguerra, Kent Laurence Rivera, Crisanta Paola Catap, and Maria Genevieve Songco, with the support of their adviser Engr. Ma. Editha A. Grande, PECE, are now working on “Project DWARM: Autonomous Search and Rescue Drone using Swarm Technology.
After a calamity, search and rescue operations take months to make significant progress that so much time is wasted and lives lost. With our project, hopefully we can speed up the process and save more lives, Esguerra explained.
Project DWARM proposes to have drones equipped with thermal cameras to be sent out and detect bodies of survivors after disasters and calamities. Their locations will be transmitted by the drones so that rescue could be sent their way immediately.
The drones will have the ability to send signals once they recognize a body, Bautista explained.
This project, when completed, will offer efficiency, mobility, and safety to the search and rescue process in the country.
Instead of groups of people, a group of drones will be sent out. After a calamity, there are areas that are not safe nor accessible by foot. These drones will have the capacity to reach those areas. Bautista said.
Bautista also took this opportunity to encourage fellow students to build something that would respond to our country’s needs as thesis projects.
Thesis should not be considered as just another course requirement you need to pass; but an opportunity to create something and contribute to nation building. It is a rare chance given to us to leave our mark and make a significant impact.