International Cooperation in Deploying Robots for Disasters: Lessons for the Future from the Great East Japan Earthquake

摘要

This article uses the experiences of the Center for Robot-Assisted Search and Rescue (CRASAR) in assisting with the Great East Japan earthquake response and recovery operations to illustrate the barriers to rapid, effective deployment and to make recommendations. CRASAR has been involved in responses to 15 disasters at the request of the appropriate authorities, starting with the 9/11 World Trade Center response in 2001. In 2008, it established the Roboticists Without Border program to identify and train volunteers from the robotics industry to participate in responses. Member companies are asked to donate up to 10 days of their time and their equipment for a response; CRASAR obtains travel funding and on some occasions salary reim-bursement and replacement costs.