Rubble-penetrating S-band Life Detector using a Software-Defined Radio

Earthquakes and landslides are common in the Philippines due to the country’s geography being situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire. In such events, structural collapse could occur and potentially trap humans inside. Rescue efforts either blindly search for the survivors or use expensive equipment to aid their search. Such equipment cannot be distributed to every local government unit. In this paper, we propose a low-cost light-weight vital sign detection system using radar technology. We have shown that a software-defined radio operating at the S-band can be used to detect human vital signs over a concrete wall. Due to its light weight, it can be mounted on a drone to improve the time it takes to rescue survivors.