E.M.I.L.Y. USV in Search and Rescue Operations

Unmanned System Selection and Design Maritime Based Search and Rescue

Research Analysis

Miguel A. Linares

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Introduction

         There are numerous different circumstances and considerable factors when dealing with a Search and Rescue (SAR) situation in a maritime environment. As the name states, SAR implicates a two-part process; searching for a target of interest where the specific location is unknown, and rescuing or salvaging that target whether it is a person or an object. In this research study will focus on presenting the Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard (EMILY), an unmanned system used primarily in the rescue portion of SAR, how it operates, and what can be done to enhance its capabilities in terms of its SAR functions.

System Description and Utilization

         EMILY was developed by an Arizona based robotics company named Hydronalix. It is a remotely operated unmanned surface vehicle (USV) measuring about 4 ft in length and weighing close to 25 lbs. This USV is designed to travel on the water surface to reach a distressed person in the water much faster than a human lifeguard could. Once near the person(s) of interest (POI) EMILY can provide rest as a flotation device while a human lifeguard arrives, or pull up to 8 POI(s) to safety. EMILY is powered by a 22-volt lithium battery and a jet engine system much like a jet ski, whose jet pump is driven by a 3 kilowatt electric motor to provide POI-safe propulsion reaching speeds of around 22 mph, thus able to reach the target’s location faster than a lifeguard could swim. Because of its light weight, EMILY can be deployed very quickly by simply droping it on the water, which is faster than getting a boat ready and navigating it through other swimmers if in a beach setting. This USV’s rugged construction also allows it to be dropped from a low flying helicopter if needed in operations far from shore. (Sisk, 2016) This remotely operated version of EMILYcurrently fielded is equipped with proprioceptive sensors like its battery temperature and level sensors as well as a signal range and strength monitor for operator awareness. The exteroceptive sensors include a speed sensor telling the operator how fast the USV is traveling and a FLIR FX camera able to live stream HD quality video to the operator directly up to 500 ft or even further if using a cloud based connection. The camera also has a specifically designed waterproof casing and a wide lens covering 160 degrees allowing for more reliable visual navigation and localization of the target. Using IR illumination, the camera can also provide visible images up to 65 ft away during night operations. (FLIR Systems, Inc., 2016)

Potential System Modification

            One modification I would make to this system to enhance its efficiency in SAR operations would be to include acoustic sonar and LIDAR sensors to the bottom and sides of the USV’s hull in order to provide the operator imagery on potential individuals who may be drowning or are trapped to a sinking object. Additionally, an optical or IR laser could help mark the sinking object for a human rescuer to easily find it. Hydronalix is currently making efforts in giving EMILY an autonomous function that enables a rescuer not only to focus on physically securing the POI but also even reaching them by hitching a ride to a designated location without the need of an additional operator. (Kakissis, 2016) The autonomous function could also be used in near-surface underwater search by performing pre-programmed navigation routes to cover imagery of an area within a designated range of the rescuer.

Multi-System Integration

As mentioned above, SAR operations also include the “search” portion, which is often more efficiently performed from above having a bird’s-eye view. This is why the integration of unmanned maritime and aerial systems greatly enhances SAR operations. Specifically with EMILY, small UAV quadcopters called Fotokites have already been used to enhance the USV operator’s situational awareness for better command and control of the vehicle’s navigation thanks to having a better perspective of its relative location. (Simon, 2016) Furthermore, the ICARUS project has also been testing the integration of unmanned systems across environmental domains for numerous diverse applications but mainly with the purpose of enhancing crisis management. In maritime SAR this could mean that a swarm of autonomous and collaborative UAVs can perform area scans much faster than a single UAV could, providing quick location and situation assessment for USVs like EMILY to navigate to and respond to the situation faster and at a lower cost than a manned search would imply. (Cubber, 2014)

Conclusion

            The EMILY USV is a remarkable system that has already helped save the lives of hundreds of people all around the globe. Nonetheless, it has great potential for enhancements in the sensors it can carry as well as the power sources that are used. The evident actions and accomplishments of EMILY are certainly one of many examples of how unmanned systems can greatly improve and maximize efforts in daily operations across a wide range of applications.

References

Cubber, G. D. (2014). ICARUS Report Summary. ICARUS, European Union. CORDIS. Retrieved September 19, 2016, from http://cordis.europa.eu/result/rcn/59014_en.html

FLIR Systems, Inc. (2016, January). FLIR FX: Wireless HD monitoring, Indoor and Out. Retrieved September 19, 2016, from FLIR FX: http://www.flir.com/flirfx/content/?id=67547

Kakissis, J. (2016, March 22). How A High-Tech Buoy Named Emily Could Save Migrants Off Greece. Retrieved from NPR: All Tech Considered-Tech, Culture, and Connection: http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2016/03/22/471285293/how-a-high-tech-buoy-named-emily-could-save-migrants-off-greece

Simon, M. (2016, January 12). A Robot Life Preserver Goes to Work in the Greek Refugee Crisis. Retrieved from Wired: https://www.wired.com/2016/01/a-robot-life-preserver-goes-to-work-in-the-greek-refugee-crisis/

Sisk, R. (2016, May 18). Meet the US Navy's Robotic Lifeguard Named 'Emily'. Retrieved from Military.com: http://www.military.com/daily-news/2016/05/18/meet-the-us-navys-robotic-lifeguard-named-emily.html