An internet of robotic things platform for connecting agents in adisaster scenarios

Abstract

Field robotics must operate in challenging, unpredictable environments where only the most critical information should be processed and shared. Meeting this demand requires new architectures to analyze data near the source and communicate efficiently across robotic systems and remote services. Real-time autonomy requires a combination of diverse sensors, local computing, and adaptable communication tools. When traditional infrastructure, such as mobile phone stations, is limited or absent, intelligent data filtering and distributed processing become essential. This research presents a co-design approach that integrates different perception systems with telecommunication networks to support cooperation between agents: any entity with mobility, onboard memory, payload capacity, minimal situational awareness, and trained operational skills required for a mission.

The focus is on emergency response scenarios¿specifically Search and Rescue (SAR) tasks in catastrophic settings. These harsh conditions call for agile, robust platforms that enable real-time coordination without relying on centralized infrastructure. The proposed Internet of Cooperative Agents (IoCA) architecture enables decentralized execution of algorithms to support both rescuers and isolated victims. This framework, developed and tested in collaboration with real emergency professionals, enhances situational awareness by providing agents' status, detecting potential risks, reporting geolocated victims, and connecting real and virtual worlds via Digital Twins (DT). The result is a resilient, modular system designed to function where needed most¿when time is critical and connectivity is scarce.