Robots go where angels fear to tread.

• Position: Rescue Missions

In disaster emergencies, such as the West Virginia mine explosion or the earthquake in Haiti, it often is unsafe for responders to enter the scene, prolonging the rescue of potential survivors, but researchers from the University of Missouri, Columbia, have developed software for a robot with a laser sensor that can enter dangerous structures to assess the situation and locate any remaining people.

"We are developing computer graphics visualization software to allow the user to interactively navigate the 3D data captured from the robot's scans," explains Ye Duan, associate professor of computer science. "I worked with my students to develop computer software that helps the user to analyze the data and conduct virtual navigation, so they can have an idea of the structure before they enter it. The technology could save the lives of disaster victims and responders"

The remote-controlled robot is designed to transport a light detection and ranging unit so that responders--such as police, military, firelighters, and search-and-rescue teams--can know more about dangerous structures before entering. Once inside, the robot produces multiple scans using LIDAR (Light...