The operators of Japan’s damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant have sent a “snake-shaped robot” and two drones to one of three accident reactors to investigate the ruins. The ‘snake robot’ was used in the building for the first time on Thursday, said a spokesperson for energy company Tepco.
It supports two mini drones. TEPCO explained that these are particularly maneuverable and can also take pictures in hard-to-reach places within the nuclear ruins.
Deadly irradiation for people
The interior of the Fukushima nuclear reactors that were damaged by a tsunami in March 2011 is so contaminated that people cannot enter them. The robot-assisted drones are intended to inspect the ruins before other robots can begin clearing highly radioactive debris and nuclear fuel.
TEPCO plans an initial test for October, during which a small amount of nuclear fuel will be removed; in total approximately 800 tons will have to be recovered. The company expects the dismantling of the nuclear ruins to take about 30 to 40 years.
The east coast of Japan was hit by a major earthquake and tsunami in 2011. 18,000 people died as a result of the natural disaster. The tsunami also flooded the site of the Fukushima nuclear power plant and caused a meltdown in three of the six reactors. It was the worst nuclear disaster since the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident in 1986.
Source: Krone
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