IIT Madras introduces new indoor mapping technology for disaster relief efforts

Researchers at IIT-M have developed a new technology called Ubiqmap that allows first responders to map indoor environments in real-time using radio frequency-based imaging. The technology, based on radio tomographic imaging (RTI), is essential for disaster relief operations when traditional infrastructure may be unreliable. The system uses wearable transceivers on rescue personnel to track movement and update floor maps automatically. This provides accurate indoor maps even in low-visibility areas, aiding evacuation planning and resource allocation. The technology can also estimate material properties of mapped elements, helping first responders design safe evacuation routes in complex indoor environments. The system has been successfully tested in controlled setups and is now being prototyped for field trials in real-world scenarios. The research team at IIT-M has filed for an Indian patent for this technology. Prof Ayon Chakraborty, who led the team, emphasized that the technology offers first responders a portable tool to image indoor environments without visual line of sight or extensive computational resources. The system can be used alongside existing tools like cameras and combined with techniques like SLAM to enhance performance. This innovative technology has the potential to revolutionize search-and-rescue operations during disasters, providing essential support to first responders in challenging situations.

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