Squishy Robotics

Demonstration Project: Sensing and Communications for Improved First Responder Situational Awareness

Squishy Robotics

Squishy Robotics received a one-year award to test and improve the communication of situational awareness data their sensor robots provide first responders. The team plans to conduct the four communication testing efforts, which were all motivated from real-life scenarios where Squishy Robotics’ sensor robots could provide key, lifesaving information.  Specifically, the four communication testing efforts include: testing their robots with various terrain, such as rubble; testing their robots with fire trucks and incident command posts; de-conflicting their robots with other common wireless equipment; and conducting user interface and first responder-machine interface testing to improve the presentation of data to the first responders. Squishy Robotics will conduct a series of tests with the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) at the Brayton Fire Training Field and will conduct user testing with Southern Manatee Fire & Rescue District. Following the demonstration project, their main technical output will include a guide of best practices, connectivity status monitoring software, and a compilation of customizable user interfaces, which will provide first responders the ability to test their equipment locally.

Meet the Team

Alice Agogino, Squishy Robotics, Principal Investigator*
Deniz Dogurer, Squishy Robotics, Chief Operating Officer*
Douglas Hutchings, Squishy Robotics, Mechatronics Engineer*
Katie Calvert, Squishy Robotics, Technical Writer*
Southern Manatee Fire & Rescue District, public safety partner*
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), public safety partner*
* Team involved in 2022-2023 Demonstration Project