Deep-tech company Resq Pods has developed and presented a lifesaving capsule designed for providing individual protection during disasters: fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, missile strikes, and more.
The Resq Pods project aims to address the crucial issue of protecting critical infrastructure and energy sector workers who cannot leave their workplaces during missile threats and attacks.
“Resq Pods was created in response to military aggression in Ukraine and the aftermath of the earthquake in Turkey. These events once again demonstrated the destructive and tragic consequences of missile strikes and natural disasters. Using technological and engineering approaches, we have developed a deep-tech solution that could be the first step towards ensuring reliable individual protection. Our goal is to develop and widely implement a solution that will help ensure a 90% survival rate and reduce the overall mortality rate during disasters to the lowest possible level,” says Kyrylo Meshkovskyi, co-founder of the company.
The rescue capsule ("pod") is a structure with a double metal shell, filled with a special polymer that provides the ability to withstand the collapse of a multi-story building, offering reliable protection and the chance for the person inside to wait for rescue.
The capsule, measuring 75×75 cm, with a height of 220 cm and a weight of 400 kg, is designed considering architectural features of buildings and is adapted for placement inside residential and non-residential premises. Additionally, the product design of the capsule takes into account human physiological features and the provision of basic human needs.
Inside the device, there are:
- A ventilation system. The capsule is equipped with ventilation openings and two filters that facilitate air exchange and remove smoke, dust, and other factors that may pose a threat to breathing.
- An automated system for analyzing the level of carbon dioxide and smoke, which automatically activates the ventilation system in a crisis situation. The company uses Ajax technical solutions.
- Beepers (sensors) to alert rescuers to the capsule's location.
- A radio for communication with rescue services and search teams.
- Supplies of food and water to sustain human life.
Each variation of the capsule is tested, updated, and undergoes necessary trials. The current fourth iteration of the development has withstood falls from a height of two floors, explosions equivalent to 40 kg of TNT, and has passed fire and high-temperature tests. Resq Pods is focused on the B2B sector and can be used in logistics and transportation, wholesale trade, energy and agricultural sectors, industrial enterprises, etc. Currently, the manufacturing time for one capsule is 3–4 days.
The company's near-term plans include setting up serial production of the capsules, expanding the project team, and seeking external investment for project development in Ukraine and abroad.
“Resq Pods capsules are not a monolithic product. Our development offers numerous adaptation paths and prospects for addressing various requests and complexities. We continuously upgrade our product and aim to expand its applications based on user needs and requests. Our plans include creating family-type capsules, inclusive designs, separate safety solutions for data centers, and school desks adapted for protecting children in schools. We also plan to become a supplier in NATO countries,” adds Kyrylo Meshkovskyi.
Currently, the company is negotiating cooperation with representatives of large businesses, critical infrastructure, and government entities. The project team is also focused on establishing collaboration with Ukrainian government institutions to provide solutions for individual population protection.
