From surveillance, to suspicious material identification, to detection of hazardous gases, robots can gain situational awareness in inaccessible locations or where it is not safe for humans to go. These robots can be remotely operated, and sent in advance to a dangerous or unknown environment to significantly reduce risk for a human first responder team.

First on the scene after an emergency call such as for a bomb explosion, terrorist attack or fire, robots are often critical in this situation, but First Responders are currently unable to communicate reliably with robots operating underground, in collapsed structures, and similar situations. Today's vehicles operate with tethers or 'breadcrumb' repeaters (small transmission devices deployed like breadcrumbs) which can limit usability in an emergency situation.

This is the first attempt to fully integrate WFS wireless technology into a commercial robotic platform and will demonstrate a robot operating underground. The wireless technology will enable the development of robots that can then be used in tunnels, collapsed buildings, sewerage networks and in shallow water - anywhere it might be unsafe for a human to go.

The robot will use WFS' wireless modems to provide 2-way communications, networking and location capabilities through-ground and through-water and will enable the robot to stream video, collect sensor data and act as a repeater for underground voice communications. With wireless communications and location/tracking capabilities, First Responders are able to deploy robots for search and rescue activities more widely, more rapidly and more safely. The WURFR system will;

• Improve safety for First Responder teams
• Reduce costs of inspecting and clearing emergency locations
• No tether, increased flexibility of deployment

The WURFR system is expected to become a core element of the First Responder's toolkit, improving public safety and efficiency during incidents.

/images/uploads/ISO-9001.jpgBAB certifies organisations to recognised standards like ISO 9001 (quality management) and ISO 14001 (environmental management) and provides a range of associated training. The BAB brand is revered as a hallmark for quality and rigour. From Government agencies to owner-managed businesses, BAB’s clients depend on their systems and services to measure, test and monitor the competence and performance of their people and processes.

“WFS has experienced rapid growth in recent years, delivering standard and custom products to customers world-wide. The quality of our products and services are of the utmost importance to our customers and to the success of our business. We are pleased that WFS’s quality systems continue to meet the high standards required for ISO 2001:2008 certification” commented Brendan Hyland, Chairman of WFS Technologies.

Derek began his career as a student apprentice with BP Tanker Company gaining an HND in Marine Engineering. He worked in a variety of roles within the oil & gas industry with John Brown Engineering, Marathon Oil UK, APG/Salamis JV, prior to joining Wood Group Engineering as Managing Director in Aberdeen in 1996.

In 1999, Derek relocated to Houston and took on responsibility for Wood Group’s Engineering and Production Facilities in North and South America.  In his current role, Derek is still based in Houston and is responsible for the Wood Group PSN businesses in Canada, USA, Latin America and the Caribbean.