DRDO develops technology to detect life trapped under debris

Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has developed a special technology to detect human beings trapped under the debris of buildings after earth quakes or land slides.

Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has developed a special technology to detect human beings trapped under the debris of buildings after earth quakes or land slides.

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"It is called Acoustic Life Detector or Sanjeevani. It uses highly sensitive acoustic sensors and audio signals to listen to the low frequency sounds from below the debris," Prahlada, Chief Controller, Research and Development, DRDO told PTI on the sidelines of the launch of an insect repellent here.

The acoustic sensors are designed to detect a range of low frequency signals like hitting, tapping, scratching or moaning sounds made by the victims trapped in the rubble of houses and other structures.

"It would be provided to disaster management teams, earth quake response forces and police and fire services department. We are in the process of selecting a private industry which would go for its mass production and marketing," he said.

The all-weather equipment is sealed in air-tight compartment and can detect human lives to the depth of six to eight metres below the debris. The technology is part of Accelerated Technology Assessment and Commercialization (ACTC) program, jointly endorsed by DRDO and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the official said.

"It is like a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) we have been advised to follow by the government. No doubt making missiles, aircraft, radar, underwater systems and bridges benefits the nation, but we also need to develop technology which can be used by common man and the society," Prahlada said. About nine products have been endorsed so far by the DRDO under the ATAC, he said.

"More than 200 innovations from DRDO have been identified which can be commercialized with the help of private companies. We are also trying to export some of these products for multi-nationals," he said.