Thursday, April 21, 2011

Idaho National Lab's Robot Used In Fukishima

A robot modified by the Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory, based in Idaho Falls, is taking a role at the nuclear disaster in Japan. The DOE said last week that it is sending robots to monitor radiation in Japan, which were originally modified and developed at the Idaho National Laboratory, which focuses on nuclear and energy research. The DOE said the INL has modified a TALON robot, originally developed by QinetiQ, for radiological surveys and mapping of areas that are not accessible to humans due to radiation levels. The lab is also providing other, radiation-sensing packages for robots already being used by Japan in the effort.