Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse: DRDO’s Daksh Robots Join Operations To Rescue Trapped Workers

Image courtesy: DRDO

New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has sent two remotely operated vehicles to aid the rescue operation at Uttarkashi’s collapsed tunnel where 41 workers are trapped. The operation has dragged on for 11 days owing to very challenging conditions.

The DRDO has sent Daksh Mini and Daksh Scout at the request of rescue teams at the Uttarkashi site

Daksh Mini is a remote vehicle specialised for use in a confined space. It can operate for two hours on a single charge and has a remote range of about 200 metres. The ROV can use its arm, known as the manipulator arm to lift loads up to 20 kg and can be used for handling Improvised Explosive Devices. Daksh Mini also has high-resolution cameras on it to enable the controller to handle it better.

The other ROV on duty is Daksh Scout, a surveillance rover designed for surveillance can function on any kind of surface. It can also climb stairs and descend inclined surfaces. The rover has cameras for a 360-degree view, and the controller can see a real-time view of the surroundings. Daksh Scout can work round the clock and has capabilities as advanced as bomb defusal.