9/11 Terrorist Disaster 
United, We Search 
by SFRSA Mediamister Cliff Thompson

 
In response to the 9/11 Terrorist Disaster, The San Francisco Robotics Society of America (SFRSA) tenders its deepest condolences for the victims of the attack. We offer the following reports on the activities of numerous robots, acting as human partners, in a relentless search for victims, rescues & terrorists. In the dark days following these events, may these efforts provide an ever-brightening Ray of Hope.

Search for Terrorists

World Trade Center Attack 
Robot Rescue Mission

Abstract  
(Excerpts from the 
NY Times story)

"...robots...alongside the emergency workers and rescue dogs, comb...the debris…...where human rescuers cannot or dare not go...”.

"Airbots" Disaster Relief


Abstract 
(Excerpts from the website)

"Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems (AUVS) Autonomous Aerial Robotics Competition Disaster Relief Mission Millennial Event held July 2000...the mission...(involved)...the use of autonomous robots in a human search-and-rescue role during and immediately after a catastrophe of major proportions in which an urban area has been decimated...The ultimate cause could be...multiple...explosions triggered by terrorists...".

Search for Understanding 

 The context of  the attack is discussed in a Newsweek Special Report.  

Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) Flying Insect Robots

 Abstract 
(Excerpts from the websites)

"Our country is at war in an unfamiliar territory, and a battle is about to begin...However, the enemy doesn't know that its every move is being monitored by robotic insects equipped with tiny cameras...called micro air vehicles (MAVs)...dime-sized flying robots...(some)...are designed for possible indoor operations...to navigate hallways and ventilation systems and crawl under doors...(& as a)...Fly on the Wall...detect biological, chemical or nuclear weapons...(&)...flap their way into the most secret places on Earth—the bunkers where Saddam Hussein plans his genocidal campaigns...GPS-guided MAVs land...on ...critical points...deep in enemy territory...some...envision swarms of robot flies fluttering onto battlefields ...eavesdropping on tactical communications..."