* Our project consists in a alerting system for people in case of natural disasters, it also helps authorities locating the ones in need rapidly.
A short introduction
For this year's challenge, EARTH ALLIES, we developed a project suitable for Area 2.
We've developed a robotic solution which consists of 4 parts:
The Station, The Charging Unit, The Bracelet and The Operating Station.
Identified Problem
In 2023, approximately 87,520 deaths were attributed to natural disasters such as earthquakes,
of rescues volcanic eruptions, droughts, wildfires, flooding, and storms. Studies indicate
that the majority occur within the first 24 hours following a disaster. However,
individuals trapped under debris can survive for up to a week, depending on their
access to resources. For instance, during the Turkey-Syria earthquakes,
the death toll exceeded 49,000, yet more than 8,000 people were rescued within
the first three days. This emphasizes the importance of the initial response window in
saving lives. One of the biggest challenges during these events is maintaining communication
with those in need, especially if there is no mobile signal. Locating individuals trapped
beneath rubble is equally difficult if their exact location is unknown. These obstacles
underscore the necessity of advanced alerting and tracking systems
that can provide real-time location data and ensure timely rescue operations during
critical situations.
How is our robotic solution going to solve the problem
Our bracelet provides a crucial alert with a loud noise to wake the wearer or warn them of an
This helps the STS imminent natural disaster. It transmits their location via GPS to authorities
upon request. STS (Special Telecommunication Service) quickly locate and rescue individuals
trapped under debris. In the aftermath of natural disasters, people often experience
heightened anxiety and fear. For instance, a study in Greece reported increased depression,
anxiety, and phobic reactions six months after a wildfire. Our project alleviates some
of this anxiety by offering a sense of security, knowing that if an emergency occurs, their
location will be sent to authorities for prompt rescue.
Project Breakdown
The Station
The Station acts as the system's brain, collecting data
from air quality, vibration, temperature, and humidity sensors
to provide a comprehensive picture of the surrounding
environment. By analyzing these trends, it can predict
potential hazards like earthquakes, fires, or volcanic
eruptions.
In case of imminent danger, such as temperatures
exceeding 50°C and humidity dropping below 20%, or if the
Arduino microcontroller's analog pin detects values over 650
or the vibration sensor senses unusual activity, the Station
takes immediate action. It sends alerts to users' bracelets,
warning them of the potential risk, and simultaneously
transmits their GPS data to the Special Telecommunication
Service.
The Station doesn't stop there. Through the bracelet, it
checks the user's status, ensuring they are well.
If an emergency is confirmed by the owner, The Station automatically
retrieves the user's GPS data and transmits it to the
operating station via the LoRa chip, enabling rescue teams to quickly
locate the endangered ones.
The Bracelet
The Bracelet receives danger alerts from "The Station,"
informing users of potential hazards in their surroundings.
It includes two buttons that, when pressed, activate
"Emergency Mode," allowing users to manually trigger
an emergency alert to signal "The Station" and request
immediate assistance. For users who may not notice the visual data
on the screen, a distinct sound is used to ensure they
are alerted to danger, making the system accessible to
those with visual impairments. Additionally, The Bracelet
provides important data, such as the time via GPS, the number
of earthquakes detected by the Station, air quality readings,
temperature, humidity in the area, and a small table that shows which buttons have been pressed and received by The Station at the same time.
The Operating Station
Hosted by the STS (Special Telecommunications Service),
"The Operating Station" functions as the system's command center.
It centralizes and analyzes GPS data sent from "The Station" during
emergencies. Once this data is received, "The Operating Station"
swiftly transmits it to hospitals, rescue teams, and other emergency
agencies, ensuring rapid mobilization of resources. This process is crucial
in cases where users are unable to use their phones due to malfunctions or
are immobilized by serious injuries, providing life-saving medical assistance.
The system employs an ESP32 module to create a reliable web server that
tracks and displays all data transmitted via LoRa. This data is constantly
monitored by STS personnel to ensure that no critical information,
such as GPS locations, is overlooked. The web server's real-time
updates allow for immediate action to be taken when necessary, further
enhancing the system’s efficiency. Additionally, software updates are
performed seamlessly over Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for physical
access to the rooftop plate. This allows administrators to connect to
the building's network, enter the password, and upload new firmware updates, ensuring the system
remains up-to-date and functioning optimally.
The Charging Unit
Though lacking its own code, this unit plays a crucial role
in ensuring the continuous functionality of the system. It supplies
The Station with direct current (DC) power drawn from a standard
electrical outlet. For more eco-friendly and sustainable operation,
the unit can also be powered by a 6-12V solar panel, providing an
alternative energy source that reduces the system's reliance on
traditional electricity. Typically mounted on a windowsill near
The Station, this charging unit ensures uninterrupted operation
by maintaining a consistent power supply, whether through
conventional or renewable energy. This redundancy is vital in
scenarios where reliable power is critical, such as during natural
disasters or power outages, ensuring that The Station continues to
monitor and respond to emergencies without interruption.
