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TWO iRobot Packbots entered a building at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, providing insight into the conditions in the hazardous environment.
In March, Electronics News reported on the use of Monitoring Robots at the plant, and it seems a multitude of other robots are being deployed at the stricken facility.
The Packbots entered the number 3 reactor building and took radiation and temperature readings, as well as providing a live feed via video cameras.
The robot, with their arms, were able to work the handles on a pair of doors to gain entry.
TEPCO says the successful deployment of the robots could see them also used in buildings 1 and 2.
The high level of radiation around the plant means remotely controlled machinery and robots are being used instead of workers. For example, a remotely controlled excavator and transporter are being used to clear debris, while an unmanned helicopter hovers outside the buildings to provide visual information about the inside.
In related news, the US Department of Energy has customised its remotely controlled TALON robotic systems, which it has provided to Japan to help out in Fukushima.
The TALON robot is from the Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory (INL). It was originally developed by QinetiQ to assist with high-risk reconnaissance and the disposal of explosives and hazardous materials.
The robot’s military capabilities means it can endure a wide spectrum of conditions and deftly navigate a diverse set of terrains.
The laboratory experts equipped the TALON with a suite of integrated sensors, enhancing its capabilities to provide visual, radiological survey, and/or mapping data about areas that are not accessible to humans due to radiation levels that may be above recommended safety guidelines.
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