May 12, 2006 Given the seemingly increasing number of natural disasters in the world in recent times, the new LifeLocater could prove to be very handy for search and rescue teams in detecting live victims buried in debris created by avalanches, mudslides, building debris and other disaster wreckage. LifeLocator uses advanced ultra wideband (UWB) technology to quickly locate trapped victims who are moving or breathing. Motion can be detected up to 20 feet away and breathing is indicated up to 15 feet away from the sensor.
The 18" x 18" LifeLocater sensor is portable (weight is 21 pounds), and sends data to a handheld PDA that displays distance to the victim from the sensor and indicates both motion (black square) and breathing (red circle). The LifeLocator PDA can receive data up to 50 feet away from the sensor.
LifeLocator UWB prototypes have been successfully field tested and approved by the Israeli military. Commenting on the operation and deployment of the UVSS portable sensor system, Lt. Daniel Neisberg at the R&D Branch of the Israeli Home Front Command says, "All the people who were present for the training felt very confident working with the system. After completing the training, the system is fully operational in the Israeli HFC."