Arizona researchers are utilizing advanced technology to gain insights into the effects of heatstroke on the human body and explore ways to protect ourselves in a warming planet. As the capital city of Phoenix endures its longest heat wave in history, with temperatures exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit for the 22nd consecutive day, a humanoid robot named ANDI has been deployed by Arizona State University to measure the impact of extreme climate conditions.
ANDI, which stands for Advanced Newton Dynamic Instrument, is a one-of-a-kind robot that mimics human responses to heat. Developed by mechanical engineering professor Konrad Rykaczewski, ANDI serves as an outdoor thermal mannequin that allows researchers to assess the amount of heat it receives from the environment without endangering human subjects.
Although ANDI initially appears as a crash-test dummy, it is equipped with a network of connected sensors that evaluate the heat diffused through its body. The robot also possesses an internal cooling system and pores that enable it to breathe and sweat. With 35 independent thermal zones, ANDI replicates human sweating patterns, predominantly sweating from its back. The construction of this unique robot involved an investment of over half a million dollars.
Previously, only a handful of mannequins with similar capabilities existed, but they were restricted to indoor environments. These mannequins were primarily utilized by sports equipment manufacturers to test thermal performance in controlled settings. The introduction of ANDI provides researchers with a groundbreaking opportunity to enhance their understanding of hyperthermia, a condition resulting from overheating that poses a growing threat to populations worldwide due to global warming.
Rykaczewski highlights the ethical concerns associated with directly measuring core temperature increases in individuals experiencing heatstroke. However, the effects of heat on the human body remain incompletely understood. ANDI fills this knowledge gap and offers researchers valuable insights.
Accompanied by MaRTy (Mean Radiant Temperature), a mobile weather station that measures the heat reflected by surrounding buildings, ANDI is venturing outdoors in Phoenix for the first time. This environment serves as an ideal laboratory to prepare for the future climate. Rykaczewski emphasizes the need to adapt clothing choices and behavioral patterns to extreme temperatures and explores how ANDI can facilitate this adaptation.
Furthermore, ANDI is infinitely reprogrammable, enabling researchers to create “digital twins” of the mannequin that represent different segments of the population. Climatologist Jennifer Vanos explains that as individuals age, their sweating capacity decreases. This means that different protection strategies are required for various demographics, such as young people, athletes, or individuals with underlying health conditions. By simulating the thermoregulatory mechanisms specific to each group, scientists can develop tailored solutions.
Additionally, researchers can test ANDI in diverse scenarios to examine the human body’s response to humid heat or hot winds. The insights gained from these tests will contribute to the design of heat-resistant clothing, urban planning strategies, and the protection of vulnerable populations. In Phoenix, where cooling centers are established for the homeless during the summer, the findings from this research could guide the actions of social workers by determining the optimal duration for individuals to stay in these centers to cool down and safely reduce their core temperature.
The research team also envisions the development of low-cost sensors for construction sites. These sensors would adjust working hours based on the actual heat experienced by workers, rather than relying on general weather conditions. This approach would enhance worker safety and move away from generic recommendations based on location.
Ultimately, the specific, tailored solutions resulting from this research have the potential to reshape cities worldwide. Rykaczewski highlights the importance of learning from cities like Phoenix, considering the possibility that future cities, including Paris, may experience similar extreme heat conditions. By understanding how to design buildings that can withstand these challenges, researchers can make significant contributions to addressing the impact of climate change.
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