Autonomous Robots for Earthquake Disaster Relief

How quadrupedal ground robots supported Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) in earthquake-stricken areas to enhance search, logistics, and safety operations.

Autonomous Robots for Earthquake Disaster Relief
A black and white photo of a robotic arm.
Introduction

The Challenges

In January 2024, Japan experienced a devastating earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture, leaving damaged infrastructure, collapsed buildings, and dangerous aftershock zones.

  • Rescue and response teams faced obstacles such as blocked roads, unstable rubble, and hazardous terrain that limited human and vehicle access.
  • There was an urgent need to survey hard-to-reach areas, deliver supplies, and maintain responder safety without risking more lives.
Units Deployed Globally
Units Deployed Globally
Solution

Our Approach

Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force deployed quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicles (Q-UGVs) to support relief operations in Noto Peninsula. These robots were used for:

  • Delivering small payloads such as medical supplies, food, and water.
  • Performing reconnaissance in unstable or high-risk areas unsafe for soldiers or search-and-rescue personnel.
  • Assisting with communications in areas where power and cell infrastructure were down.

The robot’s four-legged mobility allowed it to climb rubble, descend stairwells, and navigate uneven, debris-laden terrain.

Results

The Results

  1. Enabled real-time assessment of collapsed structures and isolated zones without endangering personnel.
  2. Delivered essential supplies to communities and aid teams in areas inaccessible to trucks or drones.
  3. Demonstrated the Q-UGV’s capability as a low-footprint, all-terrain responder in complex disaster relief scenarios.
  4. Validated the use of robotic systems in humanitarian missions—setting a precedent for wider disaster response deployment in Japan and beyond.
Robots That
Feel The World™
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