Standard Rescue Tasks Based on the Japan Virtual Robotics Challenge

Robotic technology can be effectively used in the inspection and maintenance of aging social infrastructure. The capabilities of these robots are similar to those required for disaster response robots. This paper presents the concepts and outlines of the Japan Virtual Robotics Challenge (JVRC). The tasks in this challenge were designed based on the Sasago tunnel disaster, in which ceiling panels fell over 130 m as a result of the release of the anchor bolts from the walls over time. Lessons from JVRC indicate that service robots can function as first responders, and that disaster rescue tasks have much in common with every day maintenance tasks. Standard tasks for robots are proposed and one scenario is demonstrated to show its validity. We hope that the application of robots used for everyday maintenance can improve the availability of robots at disaster scenes.