Mechanical engineering alum develops robotic rescuers
Anthony Mulligan (front row, center) trains members of the Indonesian National Ministry of Search and Rescue to use the EMILY (Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard) rescue craft in Jakarta.
In Sahuarita, Arizona, far from any major body of water, a University of Arizona graduate is developing boats that support thousands of first responders. 1988 mechanical engineering graduate Anthony Mulligan began developing the boats to research marine wildlife with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. But he realized the design could be transformed into a remotely controlled rescue vehicle to assist lifeguards and first responders in saving lives.
Fast forward 15 years, and Mulligan’s invention, EMILY (Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard) rescue craft are in use at beachfronts and resorts all over the world. Mulligan’s company, Hydronalix, has sold more than 2,000 of the aquatic rescue boats. First responders keep the EMILY craft right on the beach. In Los Angeles alone, EMILY can be deployed in up to 400 rescue events during a typical three-day holiday weekend.
Connecting with students and service members
Mulligan is a longtime college supporter, serving on the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering's Industrial Advisory Board. In addition, Hydronalix has sponsored several capstone projects as part of the Craig M. Berge Design Program and engages about 10 interns annually, many from the university. The students typically work during the summer, but some stay as long as a year. The interns get hands-on experience in the research, design, and manufacturing process, and those interested in field work can join operations teams doing testing and training.
“The College of Engineering at the University of Arizona has been very beneficial for us. We can hire people who can solve problems,” said Mulligan, who won the college’s Leo B. Hart Humanitarian Award in 2016.
Hydronalix also builds tactical sonar boats and unmanned surface vehicles, and Mulligan recently won a $42 million, five-year contract for his company from the U.S. Navy to develop advanced technology for unmanned watercraft.
“We do a lot of work for the Navy and Marines for humanitarian missions,” said Mulligan. “This will allow us to keep making better and better boats, and lots of them.”