Positioning technology developed at KTH will save lives and protect emergency responders in hazardous environments.
Fire, smoke and zero visibility – a firefighter’s working environment is extreme. Now, with sensor-equipped footwear developed at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, firefighters can be even more effective at saving lives and property.
An innovative digital positioning system that uses sensors inside the heel of a boot makes it possible for emergency commanders to follow firefighters’ movements independently of infrastructure, and even 25 metres below ground.
Behind the project are Peter Händel, Professor of Signal Processing, John-Olof Nilsson, a researcher at KTH, and Jouni Ranta Kokko, a KTH researcher and research leader at the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI).
The system they designed includes advanced sensors such as accelerometer and gyroscope, plus a processor. It can withstand shock and extremely high temperatures and remains operational where GPS positioning systems fail.
A wireless module worn on the shoulder sends the data to operational command. The precise information about responders’ location and movements enables emergency coordinators to control operations remotely and ensure that the firefighters remain effective and safe under extremely dangerous conditions.
“When the firefighters can work safer and more efficiently, they can also save more lives,” says Peter Händel, Professor of Signal Processing at KTH, one of those who worked on the development of the sensor shoe.
The system has been tested successfully with firefighters in real time, 25 metres below ground.
The positioning capability can also be used by others – such as police and military response forces, or medical services at major incidents. Even rescue work far below the ground, as in mines, can be facilitated by being able to position both workers and rescue teams without the need for extensive infrastructure.
The next step for the researchers is to make the sensors part of the sole, which would increase flexibility and open up more uses than when built into the heel. The idea is also that the sole will also generate its own power supply. The aim is also that the sole can be thin enough for use in ordinary shoes.
The Latest on: Digital positioning system
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Digital positioning system” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Digital positioning system
- Buy Rating Affirmed for Western Digital Amid Positive Market Trends and Strong Competitive Positioningon April 25, 2024 at 9:07 pm
Joseph Moore, an analyst from Morgan Stanley, maintained the Buy rating on Western Digital (WDC – Research Report ... data center software, and system solutions. The client solutions category offers ...
- APAC nations move on digital transformation, but at varying speedson April 24, 2024 at 2:31 pm
Governments in the Asia-Pacific region are on trend in pursuing digital transformation initiatives, according to new analysis from Gartner.
- Jack Dorsey's Block completes development of 3nm Bitcoin mining chip, now targets full mining systemon April 23, 2024 at 11:51 am
Jack Dorsey's Block has completed its Bitcoin mining chip development, aiming to decentralize mining hardware supply and improve performance.
- Beyond automation: supercharging third-party systems with Flows’ no-code innovationon April 23, 2024 at 2:30 am
In an era where technological agility and efficiency are paramount, Flows emerges as a game-changer for businesses.
- Uganda's first digital census: A catalyst for digital transformationon April 22, 2024 at 5:31 am
Uganda is set to embark on a historic journey with its first-ever digital census. Spearheaded by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), this leap ahead marks a significant step forward in the country ...
- Machine Vision System Market Strategies for Sustainable Success Future-Proofing Your Businesson April 21, 2024 at 11:46 pm
A typical machine vision system consists of several components such as digital or analogous camera with optical ... inspection, gauging, positioning, and others. By end use, the market is analyzed ...
- Revolutionizing Tomorrow: Uniting Visionaries at the 2024 Digital Transformation Summit Philippineson April 18, 2024 at 8:23 pm
In today's world, digital technology has become woven into the very fabric of our daily lives. It's not just changing how we do things; it's changing everything about how we live, work, and interact ...
- Topcon Integrates Tech Into Bentley Systems and Worldsending Solutionson April 15, 2024 at 1:01 pm
Topcon has integrated its GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) technology into Bentley Systems' iTwin IoT monitoring solution and Worldsending's Thread X3 broadband product a ...
- PackSys Global optimises tube production with digital changeoveron April 15, 2024 at 9:49 am
S wiss manufacturer PackSys Global has leveraged digital position indicators from SIKO to enhance process reliability and simplify changeovers in its tube welding machines. PackSys Global specialises ...
- ASCRS 2024: Centricity Vision's new ZEPTOLink IOL positioning systemon April 15, 2024 at 6:46 am
At this year's ASCRS meeting in Boston, Massachusetts, Leonard Borrmann, CEO at Centricity Vision, about the company's new product ZEPTOLink, including first-in-human data.
via Bing News