Japan robot lab readies second prototype for work at crippled nuclear reactor

May 29, 2012 | Source: CIO
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A robot from the Future Robotics Technology Center climbs stairs at a demonstration in central Tokyo (credit: Future Robotics Technology Center)

The Future Robotics Technology Center in Japan has developed a new emergency response prototype that will soon be put to work at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

“Rosemary” is about the size of a lawn mower and has four extended treaded feet that swivel up and down to help it climb over obstacles.

It can ascend at angles over 60 degrees and can carry instruments and other payload weighing up to 60 kilograms (132 pounds).

The robot will be sent to Fukushima in the next few months.