Fukushima firm aims to put AI robots to work in nuclear cleanup

Fukushima-based firm BeABLE, which possessed minimal expertise in remotely operated machinery prior to the 2011 nuclear disaster, is now aiming to create AI-powered robots for decommissioning the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The company believes its experience in tackling challenging decommissioning tasks will prove beneficial as it ventures into the development of remotely controlled robots.

BeABLE is constructing a new factory in Futaba, the location of the Fukushima Daiichi plant, with the purpose of researching and developing so-called physical AI. This advanced technology will enable robots to autonomously operate using artificial intelligence. The factory, occupying approximately 3,000 square meters of floor space across a 15,000-square-meter site, is set to commence operations in March 2027.

It will house development and manufacturing rooms for large equipment, a testing area replicating decommissioning sites, an autonomous-driving course, and an exhibition area for children to witness cutting-edge technology.

Previously involved in maintaining reactors and other equipment in Okuma, the site adjacent to the Fukushima Daiichi plant, BeABLE faced immense challenges following the March 2011 nuclear disaster. Many employees were forced to evacuate, yet the company later took on a series of decommissioning projects. One of the most significant was the removal of the shared exhaust stack for the plant’s No. 1 and No. 2 reactors between 2019 and 2020.

The 120-meter-high stack was utilized for venting gases containing radioactive materials during the accident to reduce pressure within the No. 1 reactor’s containment vessel. Due to the high radiation levels, all work had to be carried out remotely. BeABLE successfully developed and operated the cutting equipment, despite lacking prior knowledge of remote operation.

The project, completed after repeated testing and addressing unexpected issues like changing winds and vibrations, showcased the company's resilience and culminated in valuable manufacturing knowledge.