In recent years, earthquakes have been occurring frequently worldwide. Taiwan, the home of Mitcorp, has also suffered severe disasters, with major building collapses reported in Tainan and Hualien. Internationally, large-scale structural collapses have also been reported in countries such as Turkey and Japan, often prompting international rescue efforts.
Amid these tragic events, one group that consistently brings hope and uplifting news is the NFA Special Search & Rescue Team from Taiwan’s National Fire Agency. These rescue heroes possess extensive experience, specialized skills, and expertise in using various instruments and tools. Notably, Mitcorp’s endoscopic imaging detection device has been recognized and adopted as a crucial instrument for confirming the location and environmental conditions before excavation to detect signs of life.
*Application Challenges 1: Operations in Confined Spaces
Generally, search and rescue teams are equipped with multi-functional life detection devices that integrate sonar, two-way communication, thermal imaging, and other advanced features. However, these instruments often have camera and probe diameters exceeding 5 cm, which significantly limits their ability to be inserted into narrow spaces. For example, when drilling an ASR2 inspection hole, heavy-duty drill bits are required to repeatedly bore out the necessary diameter. In contrast, a 6 mm industrial endoscope, while not as powerful as a life detector, requires only one-quarter to one-third of the drilling time. This characteristic is crucial during the golden rescue window, as it allows for faster deployment and more efficient close-range inspections within 3 to 5 meters of a known potential rescue target.
*Application Challenges 2: Position Determination
When an endoscopic probe is inserted into the collapsed space and locates a rescue target, search and rescue team members must determine the exact position and distance of the target within a disoriented and tilted environment. This is crucial for ensuring that excavation tools avoid objects that could cause secondary injuries to victims.
The X2000’s probe camera features a lightweight, highly responsive mechanical joystick for steering. Additionally, its control directions are intuitively aligned for precise positioning. As illustrated, when holding the probe with the side camera (or LED light) facing the same direction as the joystick head, moving the joystick will cause the probe tip to move correspondingly in the same direction.
During practical training and operations, team members perform a pre-alignment hand gesture before inserting the probe—either handheld or attached to an extended rigid tube. This alignment ensures that as the probe moves, the relative motion of objects on the screen helps them assess the collapse angle and determine the target’s exact location in relation to the probe tip.
*Application Challenges 3: Image Quality & Brightness
The X2000 endoscopic probe is designed to deliver exceptional visibility even in dark and enclosed spaces, ensuring that search and rescue teams can effectively locate trapped victims under challenging conditions.
Key Features for Enhanced Visibility:
Key Features for Enhanced Visibility:- High-Brightness LED Assistance – The probe is equipped with powerful LED lights to illuminate completely dark environments.
- Long-Exposure Brightening Mode – The imaging system includes a low-light enhancement feature, allowing for detailed exploration even in large, unlit voids.
- Anti-Glare Sunshade – Improves screen visibility in outdoor rescue operations, preventing sunlight reflections from interfering with the display.
- High-Brightness Display – Ensures clear, high-contrast visuals, allowing rescuers to quickly identify objects and victims on-screen.
With superior brightness control, sharp imaging, and adaptive light enhancement, the X2000 provides reliable and detailed visual feedback, significantly improving the efficiency and accuracy of search and rescue operations.
*Application Challenges 4: Durability & Waterproof Protection
The X2000 endoscopic probe is built to withstand the harsh conditions of search and rescue missions, ensuring reliable performance in extreme environments.
Rugged Design & Key Features:
- Water & Dust Resistance: Main Unit: IP54 – Protected against dust and water splashes, making it suitable for outdoor and challenging conditions. Probe Tube: IP67 – Fully resistant to dust and capable of withstanding temporary submersion in water, allowing for use in flooded or wet environments.
- Scratch-Resistant & Reinforced Build: Tungsten-Steel Probe Tube – Coated with a special anti-scratch layer, increasing abrasion resistance when navigating through rough debris and collapsed structures. Robust Construction – Designed to endure physical impacts, bending, and exposure to hazardous materials commonly found in disaster zones.
With its rugged durability, waterproofing, and reinforced materials, the X2000 ensures long-lasting performance in even the most demanding rescue operations.
*Application Challenges 5: Portability & Mobility
The Mitcorp X2000 is designed for high mobility, ensuring that search and rescue teams can easily transport and deploy the system in emergency situations.
Comprehensive & Practical Accessories:
Comprehensive & Practical Accessories:- Sunshade Cover – Enhances screen visibility in bright outdoor environments.
- Shoulder Strap – Allows for hands-free carrying during operations.
- Two-Piece Extension Rods – Each 45 cm segment extends the probe’s reach, enabling deeper inspections.
- Versatile Cables & Power Options: Equipped with various peripheral cables for flexible connectivity. USB power cable supports standard 5V power banks, ensuring continuous operation in the field without battery concerns.
Compact & Rugged Storage: Military-Grade Protective Case
- 20-inch waterproof & impact-resistant design
- Built-in wheels and retractable handle for easy transport
- Keeps all accessories securely organized while minimizing the burden on rescue teams.
With its lightweight, modular, and field-ready design, the X2000 offers exceptional mobility, making it an ideal tool for rapid deployment in critical rescue missions.
Ongoing Support & Commitment:
Mitcorp is dedicated to continuously supporting Taiwan’s Special Search & Rescue Teams by providing training, skill certification programs, and equipment maintenance across the country.
✅ Education & Training: Regular participation in rescue team drills to ensure optimal usage of Mitcorp’s technology.
✅ Operational Readiness: Closely monitoring equipment performance and maintenance before and after Taiwan’s international rescue missions.
✅ Rapid Deployment Assurance: Ensuring that all devices remain in peak condition, ready to play a critical role in life-saving operations when every second counts.
Through continuous collaboration and technical support, Mitcorp remains committed to enhancing rescue capabilities and maximizing the efficiency of disaster response teams worldwide.