S4-4 - Reliable measurements for safe rescue operations after building collapses (ZeMeRGe)

Event

23. ITG/GMA-Fachtagung Sensoren und Messsysteme 2026
2026-06-09 - 2026-06-10
Nürnberg

Band

Vorträge

Chapter

Positions-, Schwingungs- und Akustikmessung mit Hilfe von Drohnen

Author(s)

D. M. Spale, G. Gidion, J. Schiffert, S. J. Rupitsch - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, E. Maier, K. Schmitt - Fraunhofer IPM, Freiburg

Pages

75 - 81

DOI

10.5162/sensoren2026/S4-4

ISBN

978-3-910600-11-9

Price

free

Abstract

This contribution presents an overview of the ZeMeRGe project, which aims to develop reliable sensor systems for search-and-rescue operations in disaster scenarios. In particular, a radar-based system for contactless vital sign detection is investigated, enabling the detection of respiration in survivors trapped under debris using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). While the feasibility of radar-based vital sign detection has been demonstrated in previous work, its practical deployment requires a systematic understanding of measurement uncertainty. This paper introduces the underlying measurement principles and discusses the main factors influencing detection reliability, including physiological variability, UAV motion, environmental effects such as debris composition, and radar system design parameters. Different radar approaches, including stepped-frequency continuous-wave (SFCW) and frequencycomb continuous-wave (FCCW) systems, are presented and compared in the context of UAV-based operation. In addition, simulation methods based on finite-difference time-domain techniques are introduced as a tool for controlled uncertainty analysis. Experimental results obtained under laboratory and field conditions illustrate the impact of target orientation and platform motion on signal quality and detectability. The presented results provide a foundation for future quantitative uncertainty budgets and contribute to the development of robust and trustworthy radar-based systems for supporting first responders.