CNN's 'Tech for Good' showcases young innovators redefining rescue missions with robotics

HONG KONG, Oct. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In the latest episode of 'Tech For Good', CNN anchor and correspondent Kristie Lu Stout meets the young innovators designing cutting-edge technology that could one day revolutionize search and rescue missions.

CNN first visits The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, where student Jimmy Wu Chun-Ming and his team have developed AeroRelief, a smart delivery drone system designed to enhance emergency response in remote areas.  What sets this technology apart from others is its SMS locating system and AI-driven dispatch assistance platform which suggests what equipment is needed during an emergency. It aims to close the critical time gap before first responders can arrive in remote areas, where every minute counts.

From emergency services to rescue operations, CNN visits Switzerland for the ARCHE (Advanced Robotic Capabilities for Hazardous Environments) event, where students developing the latest disaster relief robots can test their technologies in a simulated environment. Among this year's standout creations are Magnecko, a climbing robot with magnetic feet developed by students at ETH Zurich, and Roboa, a snake-like robot designed to search for people trapped under rubble.

Across the globe, similar breakthroughs are taking shape. In the United States, Firebot – developed by University of Texas at Austin graduate Siddharth Thakur – is a cutting-edge fire robot equipped with thermal cameras, sensors, and gas detectors to safely navigate hazardous environments. It delivers real-time data to firefighters before they enter a blaze, enhancing safety and efficiency while minimizing risk.

Finally, as part of the show's 'Where Are They Now?' segment, Max Lee and Josua Chan, creators of LifeSparrow, an AI drone software that's designed to locate missing hikers in Hong Kong, are catching the world's attention again. Since their 2023 feature in 'Tech for Good', their technology has expanded to perform various other tasks including spotting wildfires, monitoring country parks and assisting with maritime rescue.

Tech for Good trailers: http://bit.ly/4qoLFxn
Tech for Good images: http://bit.ly/4qquDz8
Tech for Good microsite: https://cnn.it/3PB5DSq  

Airtimes for 30-minute special:  

Saturday, 25^th October at 12:30pm HKT
Sunday, 26^th October at 12.30am and 6pm HKT
Monday, 27^th October at 11:00am HKT

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SOURCE CNN International