TSURUGA, Fukui Prefecture--The Japan-Nuclear Emergency Assistance Center has received a new robot that can be utilized to survey nuclear disaster sites contaminated with high levels of radiation and may someday be a mainstay in nuclear plants.
TSURUGA, Fukui Prefecture--The Japan-Nuclear Emergency Assistance Center has received a new robot that can be utilized to survey nuclear disaster sites contaminated with high levels of radiation and may someday be a mainstay in nuclear plants.
Developed by the Chiba Institute of Technology in cooperation with technology company Nichinan Group, based in Ayase, Kanagawa Prefecture, the Sakura No. 1 for nuclear plant response can assist operations in hazardous environments.
"We're hoping for this robot to become standard equipment in nuclear power plants across the world," said Hiromitsu Miyakawa of CIT's board of trustees.
Measuring 89 centimeters in height and weighing 47 kilograms, the Sakura No. 1 uses cameras to peek around corners and into tight spots. It also can record radiation levels and temperatures. Its treads allow the robot to move freely through places with narrow, steep stairways, and it can work underwater at depths of less than 1 meter.
J-NEACE is located in Tsuruga, where two nuclear power plants are located. The organization was established by Japan Atomic Power Co. in 2013 to assist nuclear disasters by specializing in the use of robots.