Atrack: The Vanguard of Rescue Operations

Revolutionizing Rescue with Jiri Andel's Atrack Locator

At the heart of Atrack's design lies the inspiration drawn from the critical role of integrated rescue systems in life-threatening situations. Jiri Andel recognized the need for a robust locator that could operate beyond the limitations of commercial design, ensuring the survival of individuals in extreme conditions. Atrack is not just a product; it's a lifeline for search operations, natural disaster responses, and military maneuvers, where traditional communication networks may fail.

What sets Atrack apart is its independence from GSM signal coverage or dedicated radio networks. This tracking locator boasts a high sensitivity with a positional deviation of just ±1m, ensuring fast and accurate location data retrieval. Designed to withstand rough handling and adverse conditions, Atrack is tailored for use with gloves, making it a reliable companion for rescue teams facing the harshest environments.

The manufacturing process of Atrack reflects a commitment to durability and functionality. Crafted from colored nylon with a non-slip surface and aluminum covers, the device is assembled using screws instead of glue, allowing for future hardware and software updates. This thoughtful approach to design ensures that Atrack remains at the forefront of rescue technology.

Measuring 95 mm x 33 mm x 69 mm, Atrack's user interface is intentionally simplistic, featuring a single prominent button made of noble metal. This button, operable even with gloves, initiates connection to the tracking system and doubles as a menu control, varying functions with the press duration. A small LCD display on the side provides additional information, further enhancing the user experience.

The development of Atrack was not without its challenges. Harmonizing the intricate internal hardware with an exterior that meets the rigorous demands of rescue operations required Jiri Andel to blend the roles of designer and technician seamlessly. The result is a locator that not only functions optimally but also carries an aesthetic appeal often overlooked in rescue equipment design.

Atrack's excellence has not gone unrecognized. The locator was honored with the Bronze A' Design Award in the Security, Safety, and Surveillance Products Design Category in 2024. This prestigious accolade celebrates Atrack's contribution to enhancing the quality of life and safety, showcasing Jiri Andel's ingenuity in creating a device that stands as a paragon of design and technology integration.

With photographs captured by Monika Bitala, Atrack's design journey from conception in Prague, Brno, and Turnov-Ohrazenice, to its recognition on the global stage, underscores the transformative impact of thoughtful design in the critical field of rescue operations. Atrack is more than a device; it's a symbol of hope, a guardian in the wilderness, and a testament to the power of design in saving lives.