Actually this is a good example of a very flexible robot. In the Soviet Union they would just send people in. At least here automation is being used to save lives.
Lou, I agree. I was surprised and delighted earlier this year to discover that a robot--iRobot's 510 PackBot--had been sent in after the accident and that this US robot was the first one to do so.
TJ, don't you just love those names? Lots of people have wondered if they're on purpose. I had the same question about the use of existing rad-hard technology for space and military apps back when I heard about the first people and robots going into the plant post-disaster. One would think they're taking advantage of those!
I am inclined to agree that the robot in the picture does look a bit like an older tank model. I am much more wondering why it has taken so very long to come up with such a creation. It does not look like there is an "breakthrough" design features, nor any wonderful new concepts. Of course the assurance of all of the materials being able to survive the possibly intense radiation may have taken some time.
Do we know what effects radiation has on components such as rechargeable batteries? That may be a potential show stopper, since the alternative is to have the robot pay out a cable as it travels, and then some how recover the cable as it returns. That sort of feature would add weight and possibly reduce maneuverability, but it could extend mission times a whole lot. So robot power does become a show-changer, but not a show-stopping issue.
OF course, it may have taken that long to come up with the neat names.
I agree with you and the others, Ann, that it's great to see this kind of work being done. This is exactly the point of creating robots that can go places or perform tasks that are dangerous for humans. It's nice to see it being put to use in a real-world example, as a lot of this stuff is still in the concept phase.
Elizabeth. Right you are. Wherever it is difficult or dangerous for people, our robots can step in. They are exploring Mars, the depths of the ocean even (gasp) the dust bunnies under the couch. All kidding aside, let's hope that search and rescue bots are not far behind.
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