Application of a Robotic Arm on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Fire Disaster Victim Assistance

Abstract

           This research aims to design and develop a robotic arm integrated with a multirotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for assisting victims in fire disaster scenarios, particularly in areas that are difficult to access. The proposed system includes a lightweight yet robust mechanical gripper and a precise control system, enabling the UAV to grasp and release objects effectively while in flight. Field experiments revealed that the developed robotic arm can lift objects weighing up to 10 kilograms. In the tests, object weights between 1.3 - 3 kilograms were selected to ensure flight safety and stability. The arm effectively grasped objects of different types, including (1) a fire-extinguishing ball (1.3 kg), (2) a first-aid kit (3 kg), and (3) a life jacket (2 kg). The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was able to take off and land vertically at an altitude of 10 meters under controlled wind conditions of 0–3 m/s (blowing from west to east), maintaining stable flight while handling all three types of objects without significantly affecting flight stability (FSI ≥ 0.9). The entire operation was completed within 5 minutes, and the robotic arm achieved an average grasping success rate of 97%, demonstrating the system’s potential for effective application in real-world rescue operations. The results indicate that integrating a robotic arm with UAVs significantly enhances their operational capabilities in emergency response missions. This approach improves accessibility, operational efficiency, and precision in delivering life-saving equipment to victims in hazardous environments such as fire-affected areas.