Qinetiq robots help in Fukushima clear-up

 

British remote-controlled machines this weekend entered Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant to help clear radioactive rubble and restore the site.

Defence technology group Qinetiq sent in two Talon robots, which are usually used in war zones to clear explosive devices.

The company has also sent two Dragon Runner robots, which are used to gain access to small hazardous spaces, and several converted Bobcat diggers. Together the equipment is thought to be worth about £1m.

Qinetiq staff were sent to Japan a week ago to train employees at Tokyo Electrical Power Company, the plant's owner, to use the robots with Xbox game controllers.

The technology will allow Japan's response teams to accomplish recovery tasks at a safer distance from hazardous debris and other dangerous conditions.

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