NEW DELHI: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras have developed a cutting-edge, real-time indoor mapping technology that can function effectively under any lighting or environmental conditions, with minimal reliance on pre-existing infrastructure. The innovation, named UbiqMap, holds transformative potential for disaster response and public safety missions.
UbiqMap employs a technique called Radio Tomographic Imaging (RTI), which uses radio frequency (RF) signals to generate accurate floor maps of indoor environments. Unlike traditional RTI systems that depend on a fixed network of wireless transceivers, UbiqMap introduces a portable and dynamic system using wearable transceivers. These devices are worn by rescue personnel and automatically track movement and location, continuously updating the layout of the building in real time.
“This technology addresses a crucial challenge in disaster management—access to accurate and up-to-date indoor maps, which are often unavailable or outdated during emergencies,” said Ayon Chakraborty, assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, who led the project. The research team also included MS student Amartya Basu and MTech student Kush Jajal.
The system was tested successfully within controlled settings on the IIT-Madras campus, where it demonstrated reliable imaging of indoor spaces. The team is now working on enhancing the technology by balancing radio frequency choices for optimal resolution and indoor penetration, integrating visual inputs through sensor fusion, and developing a wearable prototype for real-world field trials.
A patent has been filed for the technology, and the research has been peer-reviewed and published in the IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing.
UbiqMap stands out among existing mapping solutions due to its independence from visual line of sight and low reliance on computing resources, making it particularly valuable in cluttered, poorly lit, or structurally compromised environments. It can also identify material properties of building components, aiding responders in route planning and safety assessments.
Designed for affordability and adaptability, the technology can work in tandem with existing systems like cameras and Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) tools, further enhancing its performance. By providing first responders with real-time situational awareness, UbiqMap is poised to become a vital tool in managing high-risk, time-sensitive operations.
In future applications, the system could also benefit smart building management, indoor robotics, and warehouse navigation, offering scalable solutions for both emergency and commercial use cases.
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