Search & Rescue Simulation

The first few hours of a rescue operation are absolutely critical—it’s a race against time where every moment could mean the difference between life and death. That urgency inspired the Drone-Powered Search and Rescue (SAR) project, which focuses on enhancing rescue missions in vast mountainous terrains like Whistler, British Columbia, a popular outdoor destination. Using drones equipped with AI-powered imaging, the project explored how to locate missing persons with unmatched speed and precision.

The goal was to identify the most efficient pathfinding algorithm for a target with an unknown location. After rigorous simulations in Unity, the Quadrant Scanline Fill algorithm emerged as the fastest and most reliable method, significantly reducing search times. Combined with technologies like YOLOv4 for real-time victim detection and multi-mode imaging (RGB, thermal, and composite overlays), this project not only showcased groundbreaking technical solutions but also highlighted the real-world impact of innovation. It’s a project that blends creativity, urgency, and purpose—and one I’m incredibly proud to have worked on! 🚁✨🌍

Screenshots from the Unity simulations