AbstractUnderground mining is beset with numerous problems such as ground movement (fall of roof/sides), inundation, air blast, etc.; apart from gas explosions and dust explosions that are restricted to coal mines. Whatever may be the cause and type of accident or the extent of damage caused, it is a horrendous task for the rescue team to reach the trapped miners. The accident/irrespirable zone contains increased levels of harmful gases like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide and explosive gases like methane apart from a deficiency of Oxygen. The entire gallery or roadway is filled with dust and smoke, or water in case of inundation, hindering the visibility of rescue personnel. Thus, it is not an ideal situation for the rescue team to perform the operations. The first few hours after the disaster are the critical moments that could be the difference between life and death of the trapped miners. Hence, the ideal solution in such cases would be to deploy a wireless robot equipped with various gas sensors and cameras to aid visibility even in extremely low light conditions. This paper reviews some notable examples from the past and highlights important requirements for rescue robots along with some limitations encountered in the design of such robots.