Using robots to detect radioactivity in Fukushima

The responsibility for checking the radiation level of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan is being placed on the shoulder of a 600kg robot.

After the news that the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant could emit a dangerous amount of radiation, only authorized personnel were allowed to approach the reactors. But now, testing the level of radioactivity emitted by the nuclear reactor core (which may have been partly melted by the earthquake's consequences) would not be human-made, but " delivered "to a robot.

This yellow robot, called Monirobo (Monitoring Robot, also known as Monitoring Robot), is designed to operate in highly contaminated areas of the human body. Even though it weighs only 600 kg (which is part of the radiation protection for cameras and sensors) and only moves at around 2.3km / h, the robot is equipped with a detector. radioactivity, 3D camera and sensors for temperature, flammable gas and humidity. The robot also has a large arm for specimen collection (even taking small dust particles) or removing objects from its path. And of course, it is possible to control the robot remotely.

Right now, there are two Monirobo devices in use, one yellow and one red. The red robot was put into use earlier this week, but the robot did not have a flammable gas sensor and did not have a good data collection tool with the yellow robot.

In addition, there is the US Air Force's Global Hawk drone flying over the factory area, although it is now a no-fly zone to provide detailed imagery of what is happening underground. Other robots have also been developed to assist in the post-disaster nuclear disaster at the Tokaimura plant (1999). However, none of these robots are used because, according to the NewScientist.com website, the nuclear industry says its factories are safe.

Hopefully, Monirobo will be able to get close enough to the factories in Fukushima to help Japan and its victims overcome this horrible challenge.