# Sleek Lifeguard Robots The SAFEWAVE Robotic Buoy Autonomously Saves Swimmers By Alexander Lam | Published 2013-07-10 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-buoy References: [idsa.org](http://idsa.org/safewave) Instead of endangering their lives, lifeguards can now use the SAFEWAVE [robotic rescue buoy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-buoy) to save swimmers. The rescue buoy works to [autonomously save people from drowning](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/poolert-s) in an ocean environment. After locating the victim, SAFEWAVE uses hydro jets to propel itself. The buoy then inflates with compressed air before it reaches the victim. As a result, people pulled out to sea by rip currents can safely float and swim back to shore. Conceived by designer Philip Nordmand Andersen, the buoy uses [lasers and sonar sensors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cstar) to locate potentially drowning swimmers. It can then deploy from one of several stations located along the edge of the water. Anderson designed the concept buoy to help cash-strapped beach authorities. Since most beaches can't afford lifeguards, having a constantly vigilant robotic guard can easily save many lives. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 74% | Activity: 51% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Autonomous Beach Rescue Robots:** The autonomous nature of the SAFEWAVE robot buoy presents an opportunity for the development of more autonomous beach safety systems with potential application in other water-based industries. - **Sensor-based Rescue Technologies:** The laser and sonar sensors used in the SAFEWAVE buoy highlight the trend toward the use of advanced sensors in rescue technology. - **Rip Current Safety Products:** The SAFEWAVE buoy's ability to help those pulled out by rip currents presents an opportunity for other safety products tailored to protect against rip currents. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Beach Rescue Industry:** The SAFEWAVE buoy has potential to disrupt the traditional beach rescue industry and provide a more cost-effective alternative. - **Water Safety Industry:** The development of sensor-based rescue technologies presents potential for wider application in the water safety industry such as in swimming pools, water parks, and other water based industries. - **Consumer Water Safety Products Industry:** The need for rip current safety products like the SAFEWAVE buoy present a good opportunity to tap into the consumer market and fill a gap in the water safety products industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Connected Pool Safety Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lifebuoy-bcone.md) - [Automated Search Rescue Crafts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zelim-guardian.md) - [Danger-Embracing Underwater Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dangerembracing-underwater-drones.md) - [Lifesaving Swimming Vests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swimming-vest.md) - [Virtual Lifeguard Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coral-smart-pool-mylo.md) - [Sea Urchin-Sucking Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marine-robot.md) - [Gargantuan Digital Lifeguards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/public-safety-initiative.md) - [Robotic Pool Cleaners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aquasense-2-series.md) - [Swimming Pool Maintenance Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swimming-pool-maintenance.md)