top of page
How can an autonomous robot assist lifeguards in saving swimmers from drowning?
Broad Ideation
Through the early ideation period the design became two robots, a rover that caries an aquatic jet propelled preserver that is deployed to assist drowning swimmers.
CMF & Form Inspo
Following the foundations for the robot, finding inspiration from other means of transportation and identifying short and wide designs that have strong and agile aesthetic elements proved to be influential in the front end sketching and brainstorming. Robust, sleek, and durable are keywords found in the inspiration forms and vehicles.
Scale Model
To validate the shorter rover, a scale model helped identify areas for improvement for the treads to be larger, relative to the rover cabin body. The model isn't meant to mimic a sketched out concept, rather it is to demonstrate the sizing and proportionality relative to human dimensions.
Form Iteration
Implementing sweeping curves with smaller fillets made the designs look robust and protective. The final directions are cohesive and fit together to look as one form.
Details, Treads, & Lights
The tread and wheel wells mimic the robust curves and edges on the rover cabin. The tread covers look futuristic and strong, while the hollow treads convey the sleek and simple design values posed in the design foundation and inspiration.
Dynamic tread cover silhouette.
Tapered top light design.
Tread sensors.
Tail lights on the tread covers.
Sleek open treads.
Accent trim lighting to feel futuristic.
In Action
The Wave Guardian fleet works as a team to rescue drowning swimmers. The initial spotter will take action first and immediately deploy the preserver. In an effort to keep crowd control at bay, a secondary assistant keeps the beach open and clear for medical first responders and lifeguards to assist after the swimmer has been rescued.
01
Scanning the Beach
02
Identifying the Situation
03
Deploying Preserver
04
Rescue
05
Recovery
06
Restore
07
Standby
Power
The Wave Guardian recharges its battery via the solar panel on top of the rover. The rover can wirelessly charge the preserver and convey its battery life on the back display.
Preserver
The preserver has two long rudders that fold down to stabilize itself in the water. It also has a primary jet in the rear and two jets on the sides for steering and maneuverability. The design vision behind the rover was a streamlined version of a flat-bottom boat to move quickly on top of the waves for visibility and navigation.
Additional Design Credits:
Davis Williams, industrial design. Annie Crane, communication design. Erasmus Lippert, engineering & design.
bottom of page