Highlights of the technical status of nuclear robotics in Japan

Research and development activities on advanced robotic remote system technologies for nuclear applications have been accelerated in Japan since 1980. In the development project of automated surveillance systems carried out from 1980 through 1984, two types of remotely operated mobile systems, mono-rail type and crawler type, were developed. In the field of reactor decommissioning technology development started in 1981, light-duty and heavy-duty amphibious robots for reactor dismantling work has been developed. The project of advanced robotics technology started in 1983 includes a program for nuclear application in which a four-legged walking robot is being developed. Basic research on intelligent robotic system technology for nuclear application is included in the new long term national program of nuclear energy development authorized recently by the Atomic Energy Commission. The R and D program of remote technology for fusion reactor maintenance has recently been studied and proposed. This program includes the development of robotic remote systems to be used in a highly radioactive vacuum vessel. (author). 8 refs, 6 figs