Fukushima firm uses decommissioning know-how to develop AI robots
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A Fukushima company that once had virtually no expertise in operating machinery remotely is now setting out to develop AI-powered rob
A Fukushima-based company, BeABLE, which once had little expertise in operating machinery remotely, is now developing AI-powered robots for use in the high-radiation environments at the decommissioned Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The firm aims to leverage its experience in completing challenging decommissioning tasks to advance the development of remotely operated robots.
BeABLE is constructing a new factory in Futaba, where the Fukushima Daiichi plant is located, to research and develop "physical AI" capable of enabling robots to operate autonomously using artificial intelligence. The factory, spanning around 3,000 square meters, is set to begin operations in March 2027 and will feature development and manufacturing rooms for large equipment, a testing area simulating decommissioning sites, an autonomous-driving course, and an exhibition area for children to learn about cutting-edge technology.
BeABLE had previously been involved in maintaining reactors and other equipment in Okuma, another site of the Fukushima Daiichi plant. After the 2011 nuclear disaster, the company was forced to evacuate many employees but later took on significant decommissioning projects, such as the remote cutting of a 120-meter shared exhaust stack for the plant's No. 1 and No. 2 reactors in 2019-2020.
High radiation levels necessitated the use of remote operation for this work. Despite facing numerous unexpected challenges like changing winds and vibrations, BeABLE successfully completed the project, demonstrating that a local small or medium-sized company can undertake unprecedented tasks with determination. This experience gave the company valuable manufacturing know-how.
Fifteen and a half years after the accident, major stages of decommissioning, such as the full-scale removal of melted nuclear fuel debris and spent nuclear fuel in damaged reactor buildings, still pose formidable challenges. Many operations must be carried out remotely in harsh environments with high radiation levels. The Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa has expressed a desire to make Fukushima a center for AI use, proposing the introduction of physical AI at decommissioning sites.
BeABLE's director, Isamu Okai, oversees the company's new project and acknowledges the need to improve the precision of remote operations while aiming to create a base for practical application of still-developing technologies at work sites.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
