Saviours in steel: Robots could help find survivors quicker, reduce risk to humans in rescue missions

Ahmad Athif says there are plans to expand the X3cator robot for other uses such as to inspect an area for safety. — Photos: AHMAD 'ATHIF MOHD FAUDZI

On a sunny day last March, all eyes were fixed on a 46cm robot. Its mission: to map the surroundings for rescuers, detect poisonous gas and search for survivors.

Led by Prof Dr Ahmad ‘Athif Mohd Faudzi, it was a demo to showcase the X3cator robot, and the “survivors” were actually mannequins dressed as human workers to simulate a real-world scenario.