Gesture Based Rover for Rapid Disaster Response

Md. Nafis Mahmud; Arnob Roy; Samiul Kabir Rohan; Zibon Nesa Zim

doi:10.38032/scse.2026.4.59

Authors

Md. Nafis Mahmud Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna-9203, Bangladesh.
Arnob Roy Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna-9203, Bangladesh.
Samiul Kabir Rohan Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna-9203, Bangladesh.
Zibon Nesa Zim Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Khulna-9203, Bangladesh.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38032/scse.2026.4.59

Keywords:

Unmanned rover, Hand gesture control, Omnidirectional movement, Disaster response, Live video feed

Abstract

Post disaster search and rescue missions pose significant challenges to modern robotics, highlighting the need for further innovation. These hazardous, unstructured and unpredictable environments require solutions that are reliable, fast and easy to deploy. This paper introduces the prototype development and performance evaluation of a compact, low-cost unmanned rover system engineered to assist in such operations by providing real-time environmental feedback and visual monitoring. The rover features hand gesture-based control and omnidirectional movement that enable natural and efficient remote maneuvering in constrained spaces. Additional features such as transmitting continuous video and thermal feed to a remote station and sharing live location data enhances situational awareness and rapid decision making. Its design emphasizes agility, obstacle-negotiation capability, and support functions, ensuring reliable performance in remote unstable areas. By combining affordability with an operator-friendly interface, the rover offers a scalable and practical tool for field responses in time-critical missions.

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