The SAFEWAVE Robotic Buoy Autonomously Saves Swimmers
Alexander Lam — July 10, 2013 — Art & Design
References: idsa.org
Instead of endangering their lives, lifeguards can now use the SAFEWAVE robotic rescue buoy to save swimmers. The rescue buoy works to autonomously save people from drowning in an ocean environment. After locating the victim, SAFEWAVE uses hydro jets to propel itself. The buoy then inflates with compressed air before it reaches the victim. As a result, people pulled out to sea by rip currents can safely float and swim back to shore.
Conceived by designer Philip Nordmand Andersen, the buoy uses lasers and sonar sensors to locate potentially drowning swimmers. It can then deploy from one of several stations located along the edge of the water.
Anderson designed the concept buoy to help cash-strapped beach authorities. Since most beaches can't afford lifeguards, having a constantly vigilant robotic guard can easily save many lives.
Conceived by designer Philip Nordmand Andersen, the buoy uses lasers and sonar sensors to locate potentially drowning swimmers. It can then deploy from one of several stations located along the edge of the water.
Anderson designed the concept buoy to help cash-strapped beach authorities. Since most beaches can't afford lifeguards, having a constantly vigilant robotic guard can easily save many lives.
Trend Themes
1. Autonomous Beach Rescue Robots - The autonomous nature of the SAFEWAVE robot buoy presents an opportunity for the development of more autonomous beach safety systems with potential application in other water-based industries.
2. Sensor-based Rescue Technologies - The laser and sonar sensors used in the SAFEWAVE buoy highlight the trend toward the use of advanced sensors in rescue technology.
3. Rip Current Safety Products - The SAFEWAVE buoy's ability to help those pulled out by rip currents presents an opportunity for other safety products tailored to protect against rip currents.
Industry Implications
1. Beach Rescue Industry - The SAFEWAVE buoy has potential to disrupt the traditional beach rescue industry and provide a more cost-effective alternative.
2. Water Safety Industry - The development of sensor-based rescue technologies presents potential for wider application in the water safety industry such as in swimming pools, water parks, and other water based industries.
3. Consumer Water Safety Products Industry - The need for rip current safety products like the SAFEWAVE buoy present a good opportunity to tap into the consumer market and fill a gap in the water safety products industry.
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