Student-built rescue robot highlights Qatar’s drive to turn research into real-world solutions

A student-built search-and-rescue robot is showcasing how Qatar is transforming university research into practical technology, as it is demonstrated at Mobile World Congress (MWC26) in Doha. The prototype, developed by Qatar University (QU) students, utilizes virtual reality (VR), a 360-degree camera, and artificial intelligence (AI) to locate individuals in emergency scenarios, providing insight into how locally developed technology can assist in real-world rescue operations.

The project, among the innovations highlighted by Qatar Mobility Innovations Centre (QMIC), demonstrates how research and development can be converted into solutions for industries and national partners. Marcus Wein Monteiro, a student developer, explained that the robot can be operated remotely via a VR headset, allowing the operator to navigate towards a detected person.

The system, using VR, a 360 camera, and AI, was demonstrated by Monteiro as he guided the robot towards a hand to illustrate its detection capabilities. The robot is currently stationed at QU's H07 building for testing and demonstration. Monteiro, along with his team members Syed Mohammed Hamza and Mohd Muhtasim Bashar, developed the prototype over a year, refining it for the next four months.

The university provided them with laboratory space and equipment, while QMIC later helped the students secure better components to enhance the robot's accuracy and reduce latency. Monteiro emphasized that students should not be intimidated by seeking support from institutions; instead, they should start and leverage the available resources.

QMIC executive director Mohammed al-Sada explained that the centre's mission is to bridge the gap between research and practical applications by collaborating with universities and institutes to develop solutions that can be adopted by the industry in Qatar, particularly focusing on national partners. Established in 2009, the centre has been operational for over 15 years, focusing on smart-city systems, embodied intelligence, and robotics, including drone technology.

Al-Sada pointed out QMIC's contributions to national projects, such as Qatar Rail, where their systems are used to monitor different aspects of the train network, as well as smart traffic monitoring solutions deployed during the FIFA World Cup and other national events.