Technology put to work.
1996
pioneer
The Pioneer robot was designed and built for operations within the sarcophagus constructed over the damaged Unit 4 reactor at Chernobyl. It is a track-driven machine similar to a small bulldozer that is electrically powered and teleoperated via a 300 foot long umbilical. Tracked locomotion is well suited for driving over and through rubble. The robot's 3 1/2 by 4 1/2 ft. footprint provides ample stability and platform capacity to deploy payloads. A six degree of freedom manipulator allows positioning of sensors and tools relative to the locomotor deck. Also provided aboard the robot is a sensor suite that includes radiation detectors, temperature and humidity sensors and a radiation hardened color video camera. A ruggedized, portable control console provides the means to operate the robot from safe locations. The console is connected to an environmentally sealed enclosure that houses power supplies, the control system, and interface electronics. The system is sealed for decontamination and is modular so that it can be disassembled for easy transport and maintenance.
For associated links and additional information regarding the Pioneer robot and Chernobyl visit the Pioneer Web Site.