A remote-controlled disaster monitoring robot has reportedly been dispatched to Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, to measure radiation levels within a site now so contaminated, it is unsafe for humans.



Monirobo ("monitor" + "robot") was developed by the Nuclear Safety Technology Center, at Japan's Ministry of Education. Monirobo is about 32 inches long, 52 inches in diameter, and 52 inches high, and weighs about 1300 pounds (600kg). It can travel up to 131 feet (40m) per minute, and carries a camera and manipulating "arms" with various measuring instruments. The wireless controller can be operated remotely from a distance of up to about three quarters of a mile (1.1km).

Asahi via getnews.jp, more in English at New Scientist.