NITK-Surathkal launches new SEARCH facility for emergency search and rescue operations
The Hindu
System for Emergency Assistance, Response, and Communication Hub (SEARCH) facility comprises cutting edge communication devices, and autonomous aerial and marine vehicles. It can be deployed for disaster response, monitoring water and air quality, observing patterns of coastal erosion and accretion, and assessing the health of mangroves.
National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) Surathkal formally launched its new System for Emergency Assistance, Response, and Communication Hub (SEARCH) facility comprising cutting edge communication devices, and autonomous aerial and marine vehicles, on December 11.
“The SEARCH, which is within portable container cabins, can be deployed not just for disaster response but also for monitoring water and air quality, observing patterns of coastal erosion and accretion, and assessing the health of mangroves,” said Pruthviraj U., Project Head of SEARCH and Professor in-charge of Transdisciplinary R&D in NITK.
NITK’s Centre for System Design led the project.
SEARCH was borne out of a need of a temporary transdisciplinary laboratory, close to the beach. The new facility not just provides experiential learning for students, but is also useful to the society at large in times of disaster management and other operations on rivers and sea.
The nerve centre of SEARCH is its communication hub that has cutting edge UHF/VHF/HF radio stations and also satellite communication facility. It has systems to monitor movement of ships and flights in a radius of 400 km (250 miles). The communication hub is connected to autonomously-designed drones (4), two kayaks, a two-seater and a four-seater boat, and a aerial vehicle.
“The new facility is designed in a way that it can moved to any part of the country for operations,” said Manish E.S., junior research fellow from the Centre for System Design.
Mr. Pruthviraj said they have completed Phase 1 of SEARCH. The abilities of SEARCH will be further improved in Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the project.
Independent candidate Shivaji Patil injured in fire during victory celebration, along with women, after winning Chandgad Assembly constituency.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discusses 'Brand Bharat' as a statement of authenticity and comfort in one's own identity.
Christian Medical College organizes inter school quiz competition on cardiology to increase heart disease awareness among students.
Kozhikode School Arts Festival ends with City sub-district leading, featuring 12,000 students in 300 events across 20 venues.
Missionaries from USA, France, and Europe aided in the growth of Madras Presidency, benefiting Tamil Nadu in healthcare and education.
Chennai Metro Rail's TBM Kalvarayan to breakthrough at Perambur in January, connecting Ayanavaram in Phase II project.
Bharatiya Kisan Sangh and Agro Food Trade Centre sign MoU to address farmers' challenges, introduce eSHED platform.
Jharkhand Assembly election results show BJP's "Bangladeshi infiltration" rhetoric failed, with NDA losing ST seats and INDIA bloc gaining.
JMM-led alliance retains Jharkhand Assembly with highest vote share, defeating BJP in a humiliating defeat.
Greater Chennai Corporation celebrates World Heritage Week with guided heritage walk at Ripon Buildings, educating residents on city's history.
MVA critiques BJP-led Mahayuti alliance after unexpected Maharashtra Assembly election results, questioning voter support and electoral integrity.