A team of engineering students from the University of Warwick have returned from the European RoboCup Rescue Championship with two awards – and second place overall.

The eight-strong team of WMG and Engineering students won special awards for Best in Class for Mobility and Best in Class for Manipulation at the four day competition in Germany.

Their tele-operated robot had to navigate through a simulated earthquake disaster area, searching, locating and assisting victims who are trapped. The robot uses a series of human detection devices, including web-camera, CO₂ sensor and infra-red camera to search for survivors.

Project manager Kyle Branch said: “We are all delighted to have achieved second place and been handed awards for the Best in Mobility and Best in Manipulation.

“All of us have really enjoyed the project and are immensely proud that we have done so well at a highly fought international event.”

The team was backed by WMG academic, Dr Emma Rushforth, and Dr Peter Jones, from the University’s Engineering department, who were equally pleased with the students achievements.

Dr Rushforth added: “It is fantastic that the Warwick Mobile Robotics team have picked up two awards and placed second overall. The competition in Germany is tough but this group developed and built an excellent robot which is deserving of the accolades.

“Companies are increasingly turning to mobile robot design expertise and the eight students have shown what they can do in the field.”

Notes to Editors

Warwick Mobile Robotics can be followed on twitter - @wmrobotics

A photo of the WMR team with their robot can be found athttp://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/communications/medialibrary/images/march2012/team_01.jpg

More photography is available on request.

For interviews or filming opportunities with the Warwick Mobile Robotics team or for more information contact Luke Hamer, Assistant Press Officer, University of Warwick, on 02476 575601, or on 07824 541142. Alternatively email l.hamer@warwick.ac.uk.