DRZ: Supporting emergency services

Users, scientists and manufacturers under one roof – that is the German Rescue Robotics Centre (DRZ) in Dortmund. At INTERSCHUTZ 2022, the DRZ will give an insight into its work with demonstrations in front of a large audience for the first time.

For example, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. every day at the joint stand with the Dortmund Fire Brigade (Hall 17/D06), an incident involving chemical, biological or radiological/nuclear hazardous substances will be demonstrated, with the fire brigade initiating the first measures with the help of robotic systems. “The initial reconnaissance is carried out by a drone,” explains DRZ CEO Robert Grafe. “Then our ground robot, which bears the simple name ‘D2’, is sent to the scene. The location, which may be difficult to access in an emergency, is simulated by an obstacle course.” After that, it is up to “D2” to close a valve from which the hazardous substance is leaking.

During the demonstration, spectators will find it particularly interesting to take a look inside the robotics command vehicle (RobLW), which is unique in Germany and was constructed specially for the DRZ. This is where the (image) data is transmitted and analysed. The RobLW has already proven its worth several times in real operations – among others, it was deployed in the flood disaster area in North Rhine-Westphalia in summer 2021 and at a major fire of a residential complex in Essen in April 2022.

The simple name D2 (Demonstrator 2) is a “working title”. For some time now, the DRZ has been thinking about finding a name. In doing so, the DRZ hopes for the support of the Interschutz guests. Visitors can create suitable names for the “Red Helper” every day and “pin” them on the social media wall at the trade fair stand. All ideas will be collected and evaluated by the end of the week. A jury will then make the final decision on the name patron. The public christening with the new name will take place on Saturday, 25.06.2022 between 1 and 2 pm.

At the joint stand of the DRZ and the Dortmund Fire Brigade, information will also be provided about the DRZ Living Lab in Dortmund, a 1,300 square metre test hall. It is the heart of the DRZ and was only officially opened last year. Here, the 13 partners of the project meet to test the developed innovative technologies to optimise rescue operations. Each partner contributes its competencies and expertise – e.g. networked situational awareness, digital imaging processes, semi-autonomous assistance functions and human-robot teamwork support. “Our goal is to be able to simulate various conceivable scenarios in the DRZ Living Lab,” Robert Grafe continues.

In daily lecture slots between 1 and 2 p.m., the DRZ partners will also report on their work and cooperation in the project.

Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,
Editor, International Fire Buyer
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
Email: [email protected]