ABSTRACT

Current search techniques are inadequate to meet the needs of our changing society.  Whether for rescue, security, or survey purposes, currently available technology relies heavily on manpower in order to complete assigned tasks.  Most searches today are completed by either teams of volunteers, search dogs with human handlers, or a combination of both.  Larger searches often require bringing in aerial search platforms manned by human operators.  These methods not only waste manpower and money, but problems inherent to these techniques leave much to be desired in terms of their accuracy and overall effectiveness. 
 
An autonomous platform is a superior replacement to these existing methods.  By removing the human component from the search, the margin of error is drastically reduced.  With improved technology, an aerial robotic vehicle would be able to traverse large distances in relatively short period of time while being able to gather more accurate data than humans.  A robotic platform would also significantly cut down cost and manpower needed to search or patrol an area.  This would mean secure buildings and efficient searches at a fraction of the time and cost.