A new robot developed by the Chiba Institute of Technology's
Future Robotics Technology Center (fuRO) that resembles a small
military tank is set to explore Fukushima's damaged nuclear
reactor. The fuRO Sakura robot has been designed to enter the
disabled Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear reactor buildings
(especially the basement areas, where leaks of cooling water are
suspected) and collect information on damage. After the March
2011 tsunami and earthquake, the Japanese government began
testing several robotic technologies that will help with future
accidents. As we reported this spring, the first robot to enter
the plant and provide glimpses inside after the disaster was
iRobot's 510 PackBot. That hand-carryable 24-pound machine can
climb stairs, roll over rubble, and navigate narrow passages.
The Sakura, resembling a small tank, is designed to assess
damage at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear reactor buildings,
especially the basement areas. A key ability will be climbing
stairs with changing slopes. (Source: Chib