Transforming a Buoy to a Self-Propelled System
Published on : Friday 05-02-2021
U SAFE is a breakthrough robotic buoy that enables professionals and first responders around the world to save lives in the water.
According to the World Health Organisation, drowning is the 3rd leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, accounting for 7% of all injury-related deaths. There are an estimated 320,000 annual drowning deaths worldwide. A Portuguese company, Noras Performance, has launched a self-propelled, robotic buoy, U SAFE. Once in the water, the buoy is controlled by remote control, with exceptional lifesaving features to save lives at the sea. According to Jorge Noras, the promoter, U SAFE is created with a first-hand understanding of the risks and dangers of the water, leveraging the expertise to redesign aquatic lifesaving. The company’s team of maritime leaders, electronic and mechanical experts worked with product designers to create a prototype that was also tested for efficacy and safety.
U SAFE is a breakthrough robotic buoy that enables professionals and first responders around the world to save lives in the water. Rapidly, reliably, and in every condition. It is designed by maritime experts deeply aware of the needs of first responders and those being saved. Made in a European factory built solely for these buoys, U SAFE is powered by a dual turbine that keeps it moving towards its target, even if flipped over by waves.
U SAFE is powered by a lithium ion battery that is easily recharged with either directly or by a custom induction smart charger, with the ability to be swapped out easily if needed. With an intuitive waterproof remote control and handles to hold on to for those being saved, U SAFE empowers responders to manoeuvre in any situation with simple and unparalleled control.
The robotic buoy is endowed with many safety features:
1. Dual Turbines – Patented in 72 countries around the world, the dual turbine system ensures that U SAFE continues in the direction of its target, even if it is overturned by waves.
2. Simple Remote Control – The waterproof remote control is highly accurate, intuitive, and designed specifically to be operated by one hand only, allowing for ease of use in any condition. 3. Mobile App – The system includes a mobile app that allows for remote monitoring of key diagnostics, including battery level.
4. Safety Lights – U SAFE’s embedded LED system consists of flashing strobe lights, enabling long range view even in the dark.
Performance highlights
Deploys from height – U SAFE can be deployed from up to 30 meters above sea level. Launch it into the water from a low flying aircraft, a cliff or a bridge.
Steers clear from obstacles – An advanced, self-propelled navigation system and intuitive, single-handed remote control allow U SAFE to get where it needs to go, while avoiding rocks, piers and other hazards along the way.
Braves the toughest waters – The innovative dual turbine system allows the device to fully operate regardless of how it lands in the water, or whether it is capsized by waves.
Deployed globally by organisations like the like Saudi Arabia Marine safety; Istanbul Sea police; and Norwegian Rescue society, U SAFE is also available in India through a Delhi-based company, Kamal Nayan Marketing Associates.
