Toshiba develops robot for Fukushima plant 1

Toshiba has developed a four-legged robot capable of conducting investigation and recovery operations at locations deemed too risky for human use, such as the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.

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The new robot weighs 65kg, measures 624mm long, 587mm wide and 1066mm high. It works with a battery system with a continuous operation time of 2 hours. The robot can carry 20kg, speed 1km / h. It is equipped with a video recorder and a radiometer to check the status of the power plant via remote control.

The robot has many leg joints, which are controlled by a motion-simulation mechanism, which makes it possible to travel on uneven surfaces, avoid obstacles and climb stairs, thereby gaining access. Areas that are difficult to identify with wheel or chain robots.

The robot also has a folding arm and this arm can release a smaller companion robot, carrying a second camcorder. Additional robot weighs 3kg, size 313mm long, 327mm wide, 47mm high. It also runs the battery, with an hourly operation time and a top speed of 200 meters per hour.

Secondary robots can be dropped on the scene from the main robot and placed in positions to take pictures at narrow spots, pipes and other places too small for the main robot to enter. It is connected to the main robot by a cable.

Toshiba will continue to research and develop the capabilities and functionality of the robot so that it can build shielding works to prevent water flow, or remove obstacles.