Intrumenting bomb disposal suits with wireless sensor networks

John Kemp*, Elena I. Gaura, James Brusey

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Bomb disposal suits contain a large amount of padding and armour to protect the wearer's vital organs in the case of explosion. The combination of the heavy (roughly 40kg) suit, physical exertion, and the environment in which these suits are worn can cause the wearer's temperature to rise to uncomfortable and potentially dangerous levels during missions. This paper reports on the development of a wearable wireless sensing system suitable for deployment in such manned bomb disposal missions. In its final form, the system will be capable of making in-network autonomous decisions related to the actuation of cooling within the suit, in order to increase the comfort of the wearer. In addition, it will allow an external observer to remotely monitor the health and comfort of the operative. Laboratory experiments with the instrumented suit show how skin temperature varies differently for different skin sites, motivating the need for multiple, distributed sensing. The need for timely application of in-suit cooling is also shown, as well as the importance of monitoring the overall health of the wearer of the suit.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationICINCO 2008
Subtitle of host publicationproceedings of the fifth international conference on informatics in control, automation and robotics, vol SPSMC
EditorsJ. Filipe, J.A. Cetto, J.L. Ferrier
Place of PublicationSetubal
PublisherINSTICC-INST SYST TECHNOLOGIES INFORMATION CONTROL & COMMUNICATION
Pages23-31
Number of pages9
ISBN (Print)9789898111326
Publication statusPublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes
Event5th International Conference on Informatics in Control, Automation and Robotics - Funchal, Portugal
Duration: 11 May 200815 May 2008

Conference

Conference5th International Conference on Informatics in Control, Automation and Robotics
Country/TerritoryPortugal
CityFunchal
Period11/05/0815/05/08

Keywords

  • body sensor networks
  • first responders
  • actuation
  • SKIN TEMPERATURE

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