Thursday 22 November 2012

Toshiba’s new nuclear inspection robot

Toshiba’s new nuclear inspection robot

Toshiba has unveiled a new robot (pictured) that it says can withstand high radiation and work in risky nuclear areas.

The four-legged Tetrapod robot has been built to carry out investigative and recovery work in off-limit locations such as the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

Weighing 65kg and able to carry up to 20kg, the robot has a camera and a dosimeter, which measures its exposure to radiation and is expected to help investigate the condition of nuclear power plants by remote-controlled operation. The multiple joints of its legs are controlled by a “movement algorithm” which enables the robot to walk on uneven surfaces, avoid obstacles and climb stairs.

It also has a folding arm that can release a smaller robot, which has a second camera to help explore small and narrow spaces.

However, reports claim the nuclear-proof robot did have some glitches during the first public demonstration as it froze and was notably slow in climbing a flight steps. The firm said it is continuing to research and develop the robot’s capabilities to help position and install shielding, stop flows of water and remove obstacles.

Written by

Bruna Pinhoni

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