Rescue Backpack for Rats
Dr. Jo Abrantes, AR&D International, is currently developing a special rescue backpack for rats. These rats are trained by Apopo to detect victims of collapsed buildings as in earthquakes and explosions.

The backpack contains a mini camera, a GPS unit, and a sound device so the trainer can communicate with the rat. The first prototype, weighting only 55 g was tested by Dr Abrantes' brother, Dr. Roger Abrantes in Tanzania. "The backpack prototype is OK and the final product will be much better," Dr. Roger Abrantes says, "Now we just have to train the rats to reach an operational standard."

This project is funded by AR&D International and the University of Wollongong.