Emergency infrastructure and rapid deployment

Technological developments and trends

The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) reports that almost 449 million displacements were triggered by disasters across more than 120 countries between 2008 and 2024 (IDMC, 2025IDMC (2025). Internal displacements (disasters). Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC). Available at: https://www.internal-displacement.org/database/displacement-data/). Floods, storms and earthquakes account for the majority, with floods comprising about 48 percent of the total. Floods and storms are increasingly becoming the main triggers for disaster displacement, underscoring a need for improved disaster risk reduction, preparedness and response, especially in the face of climate change.

Figure 9.1 indicates that the number of disaster displacements in 2024 was nearly double the annual average for the period 2008-2023, reaching 45 million. Strikingly, 2024 broke several records, with 29 countries and territories reporting the highest disaster displacement figures on record. The number of countries reporting displacement caused by both conflict and disasters has tripled since 2009 (IDMC, 2025IDMC (2025). Internal displacements (disasters). Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC). Available at: https://www.internal-displacement.org/database/displacement-data/). The data in Table 9.1, detailing the 448.6 million displacements between 2008 and 2024, show this crisis is overwhelmingly driven by water and weather: floods (213.7 m) and storms (177.2 m) account for a combined 87% of all displacements. Importantly, in 2024, pre-emptive evacuations proved to be an effective life-saving measure in several locations, including in high-income countries, with one-third of all countries reporting their use.

Almost 449 million displacements were triggered by disasters across more than 120 countries between 2008 and 2024

Displacement due to disasters is not only a humanitarian challenge, but also an operational test of early warning systems. Forecast- and impact-based early warnings can significantly reduce the logistical strain caused by sudden mass movements.

Given the unprecedented scale and frequency of displacement caused by climate-driven disasters, traditional response methods are increasingly stretched thin. Early warning systems play a critical role in ensuring that emergency infrastructure and support services are in place before disaster impacts occur. Accurate hazard forecasts, such as cyclone track projections, flood crest timing or wildfire spread modeling, provide the lead time to logistics activation. Response agencies can synchronize procurement, customs clearance and transport operations with the anticipated onset. However, turning that lead time into effective action depends on having rapid and adaptable response technologies ready to deploy. Emergency infrastructure and rapid deployment capabilities have therefore emerged as critical components in meeting these challenges, enabling swift operational capacity and a more effective disaster response.

Emergency infrastructure and rapid deployment technologies encompass flexible and adaptable, mobile and resilient solutions designed to establish immediate operational capacity in crisis zones. Advanced construction technologies and materials enable fast, low-cost rebuilding and are being used in temporary shelters for displaced people. Mobile medical units and rapidly deployable shelters provide hygiene, health care and safety, while autonomous and robotic systems, such as water and multi-terrain rescue robots and foldable drones, are game changers for search-and-rescue operations. Likewise, logistical supply chain innovations are essential for the delivery of aid to inaccessible areas. Energy and water infrastructure resilience is also crucial for remote and off-grid areas enduring disasters.

Technologies involved in emergency infrastructure prioritize AI and automation, energy independence and localized manufacturing. Many solutions, such as drones and 3D printing, combine hardware with AI. By integrating physical and digital systems, innovative solutions can bring immediate relief alongside long-term recovery. Military-grade technology is often repurposed for use in civilian disaster response efforts. The military’s expertise in rapid deployment and robust infrastructure can play a role in enhancing response capabilities. Fortunately, renewable energy and circular design principles are increasingly becoming standard, reducing the environmental impact of these technologies.

From plastic sheeting to 3D printing: evolving shelter technologies

Disasters can cause severe destruction, leaving communities in urgent need of protection – including reliable shelters. In emergency situations, effective shelters prioritize simplicity, safety and the use of locally available, sustainable materials, only resorting to imported materials when necessary. Plastic sheeting is widely used because of its low cost and versatility. However, shelters should offer not only physical protection, but also support the dignity, safety and psychological well-being of displaced people (UNHCR, 2025UNHCR (2025). Emergency Shelter Solutions and Standards. United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). Available at: https://emergency.unhcr.org/emergency-assistance/shelter-camp-and-settlement/shelter-and-housing/emergency-shelter-solutions-and-standards.).

Improving how shelters are designed and managed is often one of the most practical ways of reducing disaster impact

Temporary shelters can be classified into four types: emergency shelters, which provide immediate and life-saving protection for the very short-term; temporary shelters like tents so that individuals or groups can bridge the gap between emergency and a more stable means of shelter; temporary housing, which is typically more durable and better equipped than shelters; and, lastly, permanent housing, which despite being labeled as “permanent” can sometimes be deployed quickly and cost-effectively in urgent situations. While the choice depends on the nature of the disaster and available resources, emergency and temporary shelters often end up serving as long-term housing for affected people (Subramanya and Kermanshachi, 2022Subramanya, Karthik and Sharareh Kermanshachi (2022). Exploring Utilization of the 3D Printed Housing as Post-Disaster Temporary Shelter for Displaced People’ in Construction Research Congress 2022, 594–605, Available at:; Parametric Architecture, 2023Parametric Architecture (2023). Exploring 3D printed housing as a solution for post-disaster temporary shelters. Available at: https://parametric-architecture.com/exploring-3d-printed-housing-as-a-solution-for-post-disaster-temporary-shelters/?srsltid=AfmBOorCAepZnLYO8pV-29aB6jMj8WLuwZoJQ5wAPZc3uyju18dIuVgn [accessed May 19 2025].).

Improving how shelters are designed and managed is often one of the most practical ways of reducing disaster impact. While exact cost–benefit data for humanitarian contexts is limited, evidence from non-humanitarian settings shows that every USD 1 spent on risk mitigation saves between USD 7 and USD 15 in post-disaster damage and recovery costs (Pew, 2018Pew (2018). Every $1 invested in disaster mitigation saves $6. Pew Charitable Trusts. Available at: https://www.pew.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2018/01/11/every-$1-invested-in-disaster-mitigation-saves-$6 [accessed June 24 2025].). Reviews of shelter resilience during emergencies highlight many low-cost, high-impact design features. Organizations like the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Global Shelter Cluster (co-led by UNHCR and IFRC) publish widely recognized best practice for effective disaster risk reduction in shelters to enhance resilience (Wilson Center, 2025Wilson Center (2025). Shelter from the storm: building dignified and resilient shelters for refugees. Available at: https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/shelter-storm-building-dignified-and-resilient-shelters-refugees [accessed 21 May 2025].). Using locally-sourced materials and ensuring local ownership are cornerstones of these efforts, alongside ensuring equitable, gender-responsive, conflict-sensitive and inclusive (human rights-based) approaches.

To reduce disaster impacts on shelters and settlements, practitioners use various techniques tailored to local hazards (Wilson Center, 2025Wilson Center (2025). Shelter from the storm: building dignified and resilient shelters for refugees. Available at: https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/shelter-storm-building-dignified-and-resilient-shelters-refugees [accessed 21 May 2025].). They include:

• Strengthening structural connections: in Indonesia, after earthquakes in 2018 and 2020, the use of light steel framing with diagonal bracing improved shelter resilience against earthquakes, cyclones and high winds.

• Raising foundations and deep posts: in Syria, following floods in 2022 and an earthquake in 2023, the Global Shelter Cluster recommended installing plinths at wall bases. Similarly, after 2022 cyclones in Madagascar, posts were sunk at least 75 cm deep, so as to better withstand floods and storms.

• Creating defensible spaces (for fire risk): after fires in Palestine in 2018, clearing dry vegetation, waste and debris around shelters in camps helped reduce fire risks.

Additional measures include spacing tents in order to create firebreaks, digging drainage channels to manage water flow, and planting vegetation to prevent erosion. Such strategies vary according to context, but collectively help make shelters more disaster-resilient.

The UNHCR provides minimum standards for floor space in emergency shelters for both warm and cold climates, while also providing a table of the pros and cons associated with different shelter solutions, as shown in table 9.2.

Efforts to promote disaster-resilient shelter solutions often encounter policy limitations, as some host countries prioritize temporary shelter approaches for displaced populations, reflecting the prevailing view of displacement as a short-term situation. This can entail restrictions on the use of durable materials, permanent foundations or long-term infrastructure, which may limit the building of shelters resilient to climate-related hazards. Many mitigation measures, such as framing or installing drainage systems and strengthening walls, are seen as permanent and banned in camps. Innovative and contextually appropriate approaches are needed – for instance, Catholic Relief Services and Caritas International label their durable shelter upgrades for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh as “mid-term shelters” to comply with government restrictions, despite the work being essentially permanent (Wilson Center, 2025Wilson Center (2025). Shelter from the storm: building dignified and resilient shelters for refugees. Available at: https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/shelter-storm-building-dignified-and-resilient-shelters-refugees [accessed 21 May 2025].). See Box 9.1 for a description of Sphere, a global initiative that sets standards for quality and accountability in humanitarian response.

3D printing enabling rapid, on-demand construction using local materials

Traditional construction methods are often slow, expensive and logistically complex. In contrast, 3D printing presents a promising alternative by enabling faster, more adaptable and cost-efficient solutions for disaster recovery and rebuilding. Historically, societies have responded to disasters with rapid, adaptive architecture – for example, Otto Bartning’s modular churches built from wartime rubble in post-World War II Germany or China’s prefabricated Fangcang hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic – each aiming to provide shelter quickly during an emergency (Subramanya and Kermanshachi, 2022Subramanya, Karthik and Sharareh Kermanshachi (2022). Exploring Utilization of the 3D Printed Housing as Post-Disaster Temporary Shelter for Displaced People’ in Construction Research Congress 2022, 594–605, Available at:).

3D-printed housing employs large robotic arms guided by digital blueprints (CAD files) to lay down layers of material – like concrete or clay – directly onto a building site. The printer follows a programmed path, creating walls and structural elements layer by layer, leaving gaps for doors and windows.

One of the key advantages of 3D printing is its ability to deploy quickly. Mobile 3D printers can be transported directly to disaster-affected areas, where they can produce essential supplies and structures on-site, operating both night and day to maximize output. This approach eliminates long supply chains and reduces delays. Because 3D printing allows for customization, it can address the specific needs of each disaster scenario, and its scalability ensures it can be adapted to varying levels of impact and the available resources.

Cost effectiveness is another benefit. 3D printing minimizes material waste by building objects layer by layer to conserve resources. Homes can be printed in 24 hours for under USD 4,000 by companies like Icon, compared to 40× the cost using conventional methods (Subramanya and Kermanshachi, 2022Subramanya, Karthik and Sharareh Kermanshachi (2022). Exploring Utilization of the 3D Printed Housing as Post-Disaster Temporary Shelter for Displaced People’ in Construction Research Congress 2022, 594–605, Available at:). It also reduces labor costs by automating much of the construction process, and can cut down on transportation expenses through localized production. Additionally, the use of recyclable and sustainable materials contributes to environmentally-friendly recovery efforts.

3D printing within disaster settings offers quick, customized production in small batches, but is not suitable for mass manufacturing

Beyond constructing immediate shelter, 3D printing can be used to repair infrastructure, such as roads, bridges and utility systems, by rapidly producing replacement parts and structural components. In health care, it supports the production of urgent medical supplies, including prosthetics, surgical tools and personal protective equipment, as well as spare parts for medical machines. It also helps restore the supply of basic needs by printing components for water filtration systems and food production setups. 3D printing may also support education and skills development when used to produce educational materials and training models, and to set up local workshops that teach additive manufacturing skills.

3D printing within disaster settings offers quick, customized production in small batches, but is not suitable for mass manufacturing owing to its current limited speed. In addition, not all components (e.g., doors, windows, roofs) are currently printable. While most high-tech 3D printed construction projects are built in high-income countries, there are emerging pilot projects in low-income, fragile and post-disaster contexts. However, several key challenges continue to limit broader adoption. They include technical skill requirements, regulatory hurdles, equipment fragility, sensitivity to weather, possible high costs, and the need for reliable power – all of which can be difficult to guarantee within disaster-affected settings (Parametric Architecture, 2023Parametric Architecture (2023). Exploring 3D printed housing as a solution for post-disaster temporary shelters. Available at: https://parametric-architecture.com/exploring-3d-printed-housing-as-a-solution-for-post-disaster-temporary-shelters/?srsltid=AfmBOorCAepZnLYO8pV-29aB6jMj8WLuwZoJQ5wAPZc3uyju18dIuVgn [accessed May 19 2025].; SQ4D, 2024SQ4D (2024). The Role Of 3D Printing Technology In Disaster Relief and Emergency Housing. Available at: https://www.sq4d.com/the-role-of-3d-printing-technology-in-disaster-relief-and-emergency-housing/ [accessed 2025).

Rapid-deploy and mobile units provide shelter, health care, power and logistics

Inflatable emergency response shelters are quick-deploying self-erecting structures used for protection, as well as triage stations, field hospitals, command centers and temporary housing. Some can be inflated in under 6 minutes. Inflatable air tents are ready for rapid setup in an emergency and can help maintain a stable interior temperature.

Portable cabins are versatile, modular and more durable disaster relief solutions that serve multiple functions beyond providing basic shelter. They provide secure emergency housing, can be converted into mobile health centers or hospitals, act as command and control centers for coordination, serve as warehouses for essential supplies, and function as temporary classrooms.

Shipping containers can serve as secure storage and mobile command centers in disaster relief

Medical containers are portable, modular units – often modified shipping containers – equipped with medical facilities for either an emergency or remote health care provide clean ventilated spaces and ensure accessibility to health care. Technology providers like Proseven produce adhesive pads that can secure equipment inside these containers, ensuring they remain stable during transportation and easy to reorganize on-site. Shipping containers can serve as secure storage and mobile command centers in disaster relief, and can be modified with the addition of eco-friendly features such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting.

Sesame Solar Nanogrids deliver rapid, off-grid renewable power within 15 minutes to support pop-up shelters, medical centers and emergency operations. Providers like Rubb have developed easily deployable, air-transportable emergency shelters and storage structures that can be assembled quickly. High-durability rescue boats support the response to water-related disasters.

Innovations deliver emergency food and water supplies

In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, access to safe drinking water and food is a critical lifeline for affected communities. Innovative technologies help ensure their timely delivery and safety. From emergency water filters that protect against bacteria, parasites and emerging contaminants like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that break down very slowly) to durable and hygienic drinking water buckets designed for rapid local deployment, advancements in water and sanitation technology are saving lives. Solutions like smart water ATMs enable controlled, contactless access to clean water. At the cutting edge of food delivery, robotics and drones are transforming the transportation of food to disaster areas through projects like RoboFood, which is pioneering edible robots capable of delivering lifesaving nutrients in disaster zones (they are made in part from edible materials). Logistics drones, such as Aeronext’s AirTruck, help to deliver critical supplies in a challenging terrain. Together, these integrated technologies address the complex demands of emergency food and water provision during a disaster. However, the use of drones in active conflict regions or in areas beyond state control might not be possible or advisable.

To cut the costs incurred using helicopters and airplanes, the World Food Programme (WFP) has developed SHERP, an amphibious all-terrain vehicle, in Ukraine. It delivers humanitarian aid to remote locations. By replacing airlifts for food delivery, it has significantly reduced transportation expenses, with some operations achieving up to a 75 percent cost reduction (Fleet Forum, 2019Fleet Forum (2019). 2019 Best Transport Achievement Award. Available at: https://www.fleetforum.org/post/2019-best-transport-achievement-award [accessed June 6 2025].). SHERP is designed to navigate through swamps, flooded roads and over rugged terrain. It can float on water and has a high ground clearance of 1 meter, enabling it to negotiate boulders and fallen trees. With a full tank of fuel, SHERP can cover up to 600 kilometers, while carrying a cargo load of up to 1,200 kg (WFP, 2022WFP (2022). Meet SHERP: The all-terrain vehicle helping us save lives in the hardest-to-reach places. World Food Programme (WFP). Available at: https://www.wfpusa.org/articles/sherp-atvs-help-wfp-save-lives/?utm_source=chatgpt.com [accessed June 23 2025].). During the response to Cyclone Idai in Mozambique, for example, SHERP vehicles delivered 26 tons of food to the isolated community of Buzi, in the process navigating flooded roads and inaccessible routes that conventional vehicles could not traverse (WFP, 2022WFP (2022). Meet SHERP: The all-terrain vehicle helping us save lives in the hardest-to-reach places. World Food Programme (WFP). Available at: https://www.wfpusa.org/articles/sherp-atvs-help-wfp-save-lives/?utm_source=chatgpt.com [accessed June 23 2025].).

As described in box 9.2, WFP has developed an extensive disaster logistics framework and operation, complete with coordination and information-sharing platforms, logistics and stockpiling hubs for supplies; its own air service; and an ever-expanding drone coordination model for a wide range of services and operations.

Food delivery is obviously vital. The increasing frequency of climate-related disasters has spurred demand for emergency meal services. For example, Hurricane Ian in 2022 required the feeding of 30,000 displaced residents in Florida in the United States. Similarly, in 2019, Cyclone Idai devastated Mozambique, displacing over 1.85 million people and creating urgent food supply challenges in fragile and hard-to-reach areas. Such impacts are often larger in scale and more profound in fragile or conflict-affected areas due to their greater vulnerability. Some governments are responding by increasing funding for food logistics, for example, the United States USD 3.5 billion allocation to FEMA in 2023, which boosts partnerships with catering providers (PW Market Research, 2025PW Market Research (2025). Emergency Catering Service Market. Available at: https://pmarketresearch.com/it/emergency-catering-service-market/ [accessed June 5 2025].). Urbanization also increases vulnerability, particularly for marginalized populations living within informal or overcrowded settlements. Even when services exist nearby, barriers such as affordability, lack of legal identification (ID) or residency papers and infrastructure gaps can limit access, making agile solutions like drones and mobile kitchens increasingly important. The private sector is also adopting emergency catering into business continuity plans. Technological advancements, such as blockchain and AI, are improving supply chain management and response efficiency. The global emergency catering service market, valued at $3.45 billion in 2024, is projected to have grown to $4.89 billion by 2030, at a 6.0 percent annual growth rate (PW Market Research, 2025PW Market Research (2025). Emergency Catering Service Market. Available at: https://pmarketresearch.com/it/emergency-catering-service-market/ [accessed June 5 2025].).

Innovation examples

Mobile technology for water and sanitation disaster resilience in the Pacific

Source: Field Ready

Field Ready is a humanitarian organization dedicated to building local capacity and delivering practical solutions for disaster response. In the Pacific region, Field Ready has developed a Mobile Makerspace – a portable workshop equipped with tools and technology – to support rapid repairs, particularly focused on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) needs in remote island communities. The Pacific’s diverse water sources and climate challenges require innovative approaches to water management. Field Ready emphasizes rainwater harvesting as a sustainable, community-driven solution to water scarcity. Deploying the Mobile Makerspace, teams have supported villages in Fiji in assessing and repairing critical WASH infrastructure, including rainwater systems, sanitation shelters and water tanks. A key piece of equipment, the portable Guttering Machine, enables the on-site production of gutters, allowing communities to maintain and expand their rainwater harvesting systems. The Mobile Makerspace’s successful deployment across islands demonstrates its mobility and adaptability. Field Ready plans to expand this approach throughout the Pacific, including Vanuatu, Samoa and the Solomon Islands, to improve disaster response capabilities regionally (Field Ready, 2023Field Ready (2023). How a Mobile Makerspace can reach more Pacific Islands. Available at: https://www.fieldready.org/post/how-a-mobile-makerspace-can-reach-more-pacific-islands [accessed June 13 2025].).

Flying lifelines: how Zipline’s drones transform medical supply delivery in Rwanda

Source: Zipline

Rwanda’s mountainous terrain and poor road infrastructure make transporting medical supplies to rural areas unreliable, causing 25–40 percent of temperature-sensitive products like blood to spoil before reaching a clinic. Zipline – a US-based drone company – addresses these challenges by using drones to deliver blood and emergency medical supplies quickly and efficiently. Operating from two distribution centers, Zipline receives blood collected by the National Centre for Blood Transfusion in Kigali and flies it directly to district hospitals and rural clinics, bypassing difficult terrain and unreliable roads. Health workers order supplies via SMS or phone, and drones fly at speeds up to 160 km/h, delivering packages by parachute within minutes. By early 2020, Zipline was delivering over 75 percent of Rwanda’s blood supply outside the capital, reducing delivery times from hours to minutes. Zipline operates through strong partnerships with Rwanda’s Ministry of Health, its Civil Aviation Authority and donors like the Global Alliance for Vaccines (GAVI). Zipline’s success also highlights the potential of drone delivery to enhance health care access in remote areas through public–private collaboration (Reach Alliance, 2020Reach Alliance (2020). From A to O-positive: blood delivery via drones in Rwanda. Reach Alliance.).

Sustainable, low-cost timber–cardboard shelters for post-disaster relief in Australia

Source: Southern Cross University

After the 2019/20 bushfires and 2022 floods in Northern Rivers, Australia, researchers from Southern Cross University and the University of Queensland developed an innovative, low-cost disaster-resistant housing system using hybrid timber–cardboard materials. The key technology is a “sandwich panel” construction, where recycled cardboard “studs” are bonded between plywood layers made from radiata pine, hoop pine, particleboard and medium-density fiberboard. Structural elements also incorporate low-diameter roundwood and pulpwood residues sourced from local forest thinnings, maximizing use of forestry by-products. This approach significantly reduces material costs and embodied carbon emissions by utilizing waste and residue materials, while creating lightweight panels for framing and cladding. The design simplifies fabrication and assembly and supports easy disassembly for reuse or recycling, which is ideal for rapid deployment in flood or bushfire disasters. Backed by New South Wales’ Department of Primary Industries and industry partners, the system aims to provide affordable, sustainable temporary shelters that can be built for around $12,000. This hybrid timber–cardboard technology offers a new class of structural composite material, representing a promising model for scalable post-disaster housing solutions that address urgent shelter shortages in vulnerable communities (Wood Central, 2024Wood Central (2024). The $12,000 Disaster-Proof House Built from Timber and Cardboard! Available at: https://woodcentral.com.au/the-12000-disaster-proof-house-built-from-timber-and-cardboard/ [accessed June 13 2025].; ABC News Australia, 2024ABC News Australia (2024). Sustainable cardboard homes may provide emergency shelter after flood, bushfire disasters. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-08/cardboard-homes-provide-emergency-shelter-after-disasters/104692704 [accessed June 13 2025].).

Proven technology solutions

Shelters: shipping containers for disaster relief

VS&B Containers Group

Source: Getty Images/golfcphoto

Shipping containers, originally designed for global trade, are revolutionizing disaster relief logistics. A sturdy steel construction protects supplies from harsh conditions and theft, while a standardized size allows rapid transport via ships, trucks and trains to ensure aid reaches affected areas quickly. Beyond transportation, containers can be transformed into temporary shelters, mobile clinics, storage units and command centers. They are often reusable and adaptable with eco-friendly technologies like solar panels and rainwater systems. VS&B provides both standard and custom-built containers from a fleet of over 30,000 containers available across Europe and Asia.

• Technological maturity: Proven

• Contracting type: For sale

• Technology level: Low

• Place of origin: India

• Availability: Asia, Australia, Europe, United States

• Contact: WIPO GREEN Database

Shelters: emergency shelter buildings

Pontarolo Engineering

Source: Getty Images/wabeno

Pontarolo’s emergency shelter building solutions enable the rapid construction of durable and energy efficient temporary or permanent housing. Central to this system is the Climablock formwork, an insulated concrete form (ICF) made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) that combines structure and insulation in a single step. The system also includes Kaldo and Spyrogrip panels for floors and ceilings, which provide additional thermal and acoustic insulation. For foundations, IsolCupolex Rialto is a multi-patented system that creates an aerated and insulated slab, and which serves as a stay-in-place forming system for the casting of the pavement slab. This slab can bear heavy loads, while still providing a ventilated crawl space that improves moisture control and structural stability. With no thermal bridges (areas in a building where heat flows more easily due to a break or weakness in the insulation, such as at junctions where walls meet floors or roofs, structural elements, and window/door frames), the constructions support passive or nearly zero-energy building schemes.

• Technological maturity: Proven

• Contracting type: For sale

• Technology level: Medium

• Place of origin: Italy

• Availability: Europe, North America, Oceania, South Africa

• Contact: WIPO GREEN Database

Shelters: portable emergency tents for people, supplies and vehicles

Rubb Building Systems

Source: Rubb Building Systems

Rubb’s emergency shelter technology offers quickly deployable solutions for disaster relief. Its portable tents can be assembled in just a few hours using basic tools and local labor. Shelters are easily dismantled, stored and redeployed as needed. Larger soft-skin prefabricated structures provide emergency accommodation, secure storage and protection for vehicles, equipment and aircraft from extreme weather. Designed for global field missions, all shelters fit into standard ISO containers and are fully air transportable. The aluminum-framed buildings are especially suited for air freight, enabling rapid deployment worldwide.

• Technological maturity: Proven

• Contracting type: For sale

• Technology level: Medium

• Place of origin: Norway

• Availability: Worldwide

• Contact: WIPO GREEN Database

Shelters: inflatable emergency response shelter

Giant Inflatables Industrial

Source: GIant Inflatables Industrial

Inflatable emergency response shelters are essential in disaster situations, humanitarian missions and military operations, serving as field hospitals, command centers and temporary housing. The X-beam Advanced (XBA) shelter is a rapidly deployable, self-erecting inflatable structure that sets up in under 6 minutes using high-strength inflatable beams. It is both lightweight and durable, and provides strong protection against harsh weather. Usable interior space is maximized using vertical walls, and openings on all four sides create a modular system where multiple units connect to create flexible and expandable shelter configurations.

• Technological maturity: Proven

• Contracting type: For sale

• Technology level: Medium

• Place of origin: Australia

• Availability: Worldwide

• Contact: WIPO GREEN Database

Robotics and drones: drones for diverse disaster operations

WeRobotics

Source: WeRobotics

WeRobotics is a Swiss-American nonprofit organization founded in 2015 that partners with local experts to deploy drone, data and AI solutions for disaster response in over 40 countries. Its Flying Labs initiative – a global network of locally-led innovation hubs – trains communities to use drone technology for social good. In emergencies, drones provide high-resolution imagery for rapid damage assessment, create detailed maps and 3D models to guide resource deployment, and monitor hazardous areas without endangering responders. They also support search and rescue by covering large areas, detecting heat signatures and delivering real-time data to teams. Beyond response, drones assist in risk reduction by mapping vulnerable zones like floodplains and wildfire-prone regions.

• Technological maturity: Proven

• Contracting type: For sale

• Technology level: Medium

• Place of origin: United States

• Availability: Worldwide

• Contact: WIPO GREEN Database

Water and sanitation: emergency water filters

LifeStraw

Source: LifeStraw

LifeStraw facilitates access to clean drinking water during emergencies and in homes, addressing contaminants ranging from bacteria and parasites to chemicals like lead and PFAS. Their products utilize an advanced hollow fiber membrane technology, which consists of tiny straw-like fibers with microscopic holes that block bacteria, parasites, dirt and microplastics similar to a super-fine strainer. The company offers product lines tailored to the specific needs of emergencies, outdoor activities, or home use, where the filter is supplemented with additional filtration methods to handle viruses, lead, chemicals, and/or improve taste. LifeStraw is a Climate Neutral Certified B Corp and actively responds to water-related emergencies around the globe.

• Technological maturity: Proven

• Contracting type: For sale

• Technology level: Medium

• Place of origin: Switzerland

• Availability: Worldwide

• Contact: WIPO GREEN Database

Water and sanitation: smart water ATM control panel and water vending machine

AALROOT

Source: AALROOT

The AALROOT Smart Water ATM Control Panel is an electronically-operated system designed to facilitate efficient and secure water dispensing in public places. It integrates multiple payment methods, including UPI-QR, eCard and coin, and provides dynamic QR generation based on volume selection. The system uses a flow sensor and solenoid valve (electromechanically operated) to regulate water output based on user selection, providing precise control over dispensed quantities. It is Wi-Fi enabled for remote monitoring and management via a dedicated mobile application. There is an auto-refund feature if water is not dispensed, as well as a low water level switch and emergency stop. Real-time transaction tracking provides information on dispensed water and revenue collection.

• Technological maturity: Proven

• Contracting type: For sale

• Technology level: Medium

• Place of origin: India

• Availability: India

• Contact: WIPO GREEN Database

Water and sanitation: drinking water bucket

Field Ready

Source: Field Ready

Field Ready’s “Better Buckets,” originally designed by Oxfam, an international development NGO, have been locally manufactured in the Pacific since 2019, improving delivery speed and reducing shipping costs in the wake of disasters. The 14-liter buckets are made from new, high-quality polyethylene and have been drop-tested to withstand a fall from a height of 2 meters without springing a leak. They feature a clip-on cap for easy cleaning and filling, with an optional tap for water dispensing. Designed for hygiene, the buckets have curved interiors to limit bacterial growth, sealable lids to prevent contamination, and a rim-lock system for a tight fit. They are stackable, easy to carry and safe to transport carried on the head. Custom branding options are available, including embossed logos and a choice of color.

• Technological maturity: Proven

• Contracting type: For sale

• Technology level: Medium

• Place of origin: United States

• Availability: Worldwide

• Contact: WIPO GREEN Database

Frontier technology solutions

Shelters: 3D printers and 3D printed structure with Lavacrete/CarbonX

ICON

Source: ICON

ICON develops robotic and AI-based construction technologies. Their Lavacrete building material is a cementitious mix that prints quickly and produces walls capable of withstanding hurricane-force winds with a two-hour fire rating. The company also offers CarbonX, a low-carbon building material that reduces emissions by 24% compared to the Lavacrete mix. ICON’s 3D printers include Vulcan, a gantry-style system capable of printing a 2,000-sqft. single-story house in about seven days with continuous operation. It has to date printed more than 200 structures and homes across social housing, disaster-relief housing, market-rate residential housing and commercial projects. In 2024, ICON also unveiled a new robotic printer enabling multi-story construction. For fine-tuning mixes and ensuring that it maintains the right consistency, curing time and strength, ICON created Magma, a portable mixing system that optimizes their material mixing by automatically adjusting the proportions of additives and water based on construction site temperature and humidity.

• Technological maturity: Frontier

• Contracting type: For sale

• Technology level: High

• Place of origin: United States

• Availability: Mexico, United States

• Contact: WIPO GREEN Database

Shelters: 3D printing architecture

World’s Advanced Saving Project (WASP)

Source: World’s Advanced Saving Project (WASP)

WASP’s 3D printing technology focuses on sustainable architecture using locally sourced materials. Its Crane WASP system is a large-scale, collaborative 3D printer designed specifically for building houses. It emphasizes the use of on-site materials to minimize costs and environmental impact, thereby embodying the concept of “Km 0” or zero-distance sourcing. Included in its Maker Economy Starter Kit, Crane WASP aims to make affordable, eco-friendly housing accessible by using innovative printing methods and locally available resources, inspired by the “vasaia” wasp as a symbol of efficient construction.

• Technological maturity: Frontier

• Contracting type: For sale

• Technology level: High

• Place of origin: Italy

• Availability: Worldwide

• Contact: WIPO GREEN Database

Shelters: mobile medical facility

Mobile Medical Container Promotion Council (MMCPC)

Source: Mobile Medical Container Promotion Council (MMCPC)

The MMCPC provides medical containers and prefabricated flat pack units that can be rapidly deployed to create “Micro Hospitals” for emergencies or remote locations. Built in Japan and shipped pre-assembled, they can be installed in less than 30 days and configured as treatment rooms, operating rooms, wards, or laboratories. Equipment such as oxygen concentrators, water units, power generators, and even advanced imaging devices like CT or MRI can be included. Flat pack units offer flexibility, long service life, and can connect to form larger facilities. In Japan, MMCPC containers have been deployed after disasters such as the Noto Peninsula earthquake, where a medical container and portable equipment like oxygen units and monitors were sent to maintain care. The MMCPC oversees the development, transport, and installation of these systems, working with government agencies and offering telemedicine support from specialists in Japan.

• Technological maturity: Frontier

• Contracting type: For sale

• Technology level: Medium

• Place of origin: Japan

• Availability: Worldwide

• Contact: WIPO GREEN Database

Shelters: nanogrids/rapid deployment pop-up shelters with renewable energy

Sesame Solar

Source: Sesame Solar

Sesame Solar Nanogrids are ready-to-use, rapidly deployable mobile power systems designed for emergency response, medical centers and military operations. They combine pop-up shelters with renewable energy, providing heated and cooled shelter alongside clean water and device charging. Using patented retractable solar arrays, green hydrogen and battery storage, the nanogrids deliver continuous, 100 percent renewable power within 15 minutes. No onsite expertise is needed and they are operable by a single person. Designed for long-term use of up to 20 years, Sesame’s Nanogrids can also be clustered to create larger mini-grids, making them versatile solutions for powering temporary or transitional communities during a disaster or disruption.

• Technological maturity: Frontier

• Contracting type: For sale

• Technology level: Medium

• Place of origin: United States

• Availability: Worldwide

• Contact: WIPO GREEN Database

Robotics and drones: search and rescue robot equipped with sonar – river and flood rescue model

Hydronalix

Source: Getty Images/ andrej67

Hydronalix’s EMILY is a remote-controlled rescue robot designed to speed up water rescues. Propelled like a jet ski, EMILY can be dropped from the air and remotely driven to collect stranded people at speeds up to 25 mph. It is heat-resistant, durable in water and can carry up to five adults simultaneously. Equipped with speakers, EMILY allows rescuers to communicate calmly with victims during emergencies. The developers are advancing the technology through features like automation, thermal imaging, slowing mechanisms within the proximity of stranded people, and real-time voice translation. Additionally, EMILY incorporates sonar technology for precise underwater navigation and victim detection, thereby enhancing its ability to locate and assist people in distress quickly and safely.

• Technological maturity: Frontier

• Contracting type: For sale

• Technology level: High

• Place of origin: United States

• Availability: Worldwide

• Contact: WIPO GREEN Database

Robotics and drones: dedicated logistics drone

Aeronext

Source: Getty Images/ dmark

Aeronext’s AirTruck is Japan’s first mass-produced logistics drone featuring advanced 4D GRAVITY® technology. Developed in collaboration with ACSL, a licensed user of 4D GRAVITY®, AirTruck has been tested extensively across Japan. The SkyHub® smart logistics system manages drones for delivery networks and integrates flight operations into a unified system. The AirTruck has demonstrated the ability to fly in challenging conditions, including in Mongolia at 1,300 meters altitude and a temperature of –15°Celsius.

• Technological maturity: Frontier

• Contracting type: For sale

• Technology level: High

• Place of origin: Japan

• Availability: Worldwide

• Contact: WIPO GREEN Databasehttps://wipogreen.wipo.int/wipogreen-database/articles/176736

Robotics and drones: drone operations and emergency response platform

DroneControl

Source: DroneControl

The DroneControl Ecosystem streamlines public safety drone operations through a centralized dashboard with role-based customization, real-time access to flight logs, equipment status, and key organizational and local airspace updates for ensuring informed decision-making. It enables teams to manage pilots, equipment, workflows, and mission data in one secure space. The DroneControl FirstResponder application is purpose-built for emergency deployment, replacing native drone software with an independent interface for secure, ultra-low latency (<200ms) peer-to-peer video streaming and remote drone control. Live feeds can be viewed simultaneously from multiple drones alongside map overlays showing flight tracks, camera orientation, and precise geolocation. Integrated two-way audio enables direct communication between remote operators viewing the same mission feed. Operators can remotely switch cameras, zoom, adjust camera angles, and share views instantly. Upcoming features include tools for simplified flight planning, automated risk assessments and pre-flight checklists, and geofence alerts.

• Technological maturity: Frontier

• Contracting type: For license

• Technology level: High

• Place of origin: Switzerland

• Availability: Europe

• Contact: WIPO GREEN Database

Horizon technology solutions

Robotics and drones: drone equipped with microphone arrays

Fraunhofer

Source: Getty Images/ Cristian Martin

LUCY is an advanced acoustic detection system that mimics human hearing using an array of 48 microphones (soon expanding to 256) to precisely locate sound sources. It works like ears and a brain: microphones pick up sounds, and a signal processing unit analyzes in which direction they came from. Using AI and adaptive filters, LUCY filters out background noise – from wind, rescue equipment, birds and drone rotors – and detects specific sound patterns such as the shouting, banging or clapping that people use to call for help. The system processes signals in real time, providing accurate location data to rescue teams via tablets for efficient victim identification. Its compact, lightweight design allows deployment on various drones and vehicles or on the ground. Researchers continue improving LUCY, so as to enhance its capabilities for emergency response.

• Technological maturity: Horizon

• Contracting type: Under development

• Technology level: High

• Place of origin: Germany

• Availability: N/A

• Contact: WIPO GREEN Database

Robotics and drones: edible robots

RoboFood

Source: RoboFood/Bokeon Kwak

The RoboFood project aims to create edible robots and robotic foods by merging food science with robotics to open new possibilities beyond food delivery drones. These edible robots could provide lifesaving nutrition in emergencies, deliver vaccines to endangered animals, and even monitor their own freshness and safety. By using soft robotics and advanced food processing, RoboFood seeks to develop smart, edible materials and components like sensors, actuators and energy sources. The project focuses on five goals: building a library of smart edible materials; developing manufacturing and preservation techniques; creating complete edible robotic parts; integrating systems and packaging; and demonstrating proof-of-concept models. One of the key applications is edible rescue drones for disaster aid.

• Technological maturity: Horizon

• Contracting type: Under development

• Technology level: High

• Place of origin: Switzerland

• Availability: N/A

• Contact: WIPO GREEN Database

Robotics and drones: emergency medical rescue and transport robot

CSSC Haishen Company and DEEP Robotics

Source: Getty Images/ mikkelwilliam

China has introduced its first emergency rescue and transport robot, developed by CSSC Haishen and DEEP Robotics, designed for extreme temperatures (from –20°C to 55°C) and complex environments like disasters. The robot features three mobility modes – quadrupedal, wheeled and tracked – allowing it to walk, run, climb stairs, avoid obstacles and navigate difficult terrain. During demonstrations, it performed medical functions such as monitoring, infusion, defibrillation, CPR and oxygen supply, while evacuating injured people with real-time treatment. The robot uses advanced smart navigation with two modes: map-based for open areas and video-based for confined spaces, enabling autonomous path planning and obstacle avoidance. Future upgrades aim to incorporate cutting-edge technologies like 6G, quantum tech and embodied intelligence.

• Technological maturity: Horizon

• Contracting type: Under development

• Technology level: High

• Place of origin: China

• Availability: N/A

• Contact: WIPO GREEN Database

Supply chain logistics: early warnings of stockouts of emergency supplies

Arribada

Source: Arribada/Greg McKinney

Arribada partnered with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Frontier Tech Hub to develop GeoSeals, a low-cost, open-source supply tracking tool designed to meet the low-connectivity and scaling challenges of humanitarian logistics. The system has two main components: GeoHubs and GeoSeals. GeoHubs are solar-powered IoT devices installed at building entrances at each point in a humanitarian supply chain, while GeoSeals are low-cost, adhesive, passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags affixed to individual aid items such as boxes of ready-to-use therapeutic food. As GeoSeals-tagged items travel through the network, their arrival at each supply chain point is automatically detected by the GeoHubs. To minimize power consumption, the hubs use infrared sensors to activate only when triggered by movement, prompting the RFID reader to scan. When items are detected, the hub records the unique ID of each one and generates time-stamped geolocation data showing where and when it was scanned. This data is transmitted to the cloud, providing insights into supply levels, stockout risks, and potential bottlenecks.

• Technological maturity: Horizon

• Contracting type: Under development

• Technology level: Medium

• P of origin: United Kingdom

• Availability: Ethiopia

• Contact: WIPO GREEN Database