Emergency Swarm: A Digital Fabrication Collective for Post-disaster Scenarios

Abstract

Earthquakes in Turkey serve as unfortunate reminders etched in collective memory. Despite years of preparation by governmental and civil organizations for the devastating impacts of earthquakes, organizational challenges persist in the post-disaster. Disasters like the February 6 earthquakes, for which we directed all available resources post-disaster, often exceed the capacity of existing organizations. To address such limitations in the future, the integration of digital fabrication tools and artificial intelligence supported organization of civil collectives emerges as a potential game-changer in disaster management. Within this framework, the paper delves into open-source architectural approaches, placing digital fabrication tools at the forefront, and explores their application in emergency scenarios. The culmination of this research proposes the formation of a collective named Emergency Swarm, managed by artificial intelligence bots through the Discord network. The paper details the flow of data within this network and outlines how stakeholders will interact. The conclusion sparks a discussion on the future directions and applications of this innovative network, contemplating its potential to revolutionize disaster response strategies and enhance the resilience of communities in the face of unforeseen challenges.