Description: Robotics in hazardous environments refers to the use of robots specifically designed to operate in situations that pose significant risks to human life. These environments can include areas affected by natural disasters, war zones, industrial facilities with toxic materials, or places with radiation. The main characteristic of these robots is their ability to perform complex and dangerous tasks while minimizing human exposure to risky situations. These robots are often equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and specialized tools that allow them to carry out missions such as exploration, bomb disposal, rescue, and contamination cleanup. The relevance of robotics in these contexts lies in its potential to save lives, improve efficiency in emergency response, and reduce the impact of disasters. As technology advances, robotics in hazardous environments is becoming increasingly sophisticated, incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance its autonomy and decision-making capabilities in critical situations.
History: Robotics in hazardous environments began to develop in the 1960s when robots were first used in industry to handle hazardous materials. One significant milestone was the use of robots in bomb disposal during the Vietnam War. Over the decades, technology has evolved, and in the 1980s, robots began to be used in the exploration of radioactive sites, such as in the case of the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. In the 2000s, robotics expanded further with the development of drones and autonomous robots, which are used in rescue missions and in response to natural disasters.
Uses: Robots in hazardous environments are used in various applications, such as bomb disposal, exploration of contaminated areas, search and rescue in natural disasters, and inspection of critical infrastructure. They are also employed in the nuclear industry to handle radioactive materials and in the cleanup of chemical spills. Additionally, drones are used to monitor wildfires and assess damage in hard-to-reach areas.
Examples: A notable example of robotics in hazardous environments is the ‘PackBot’ robot, used by the U.S. military for bomb disposal. Another case is the use of drones in damage assessment after earthquakes, such as those used in the 2010 Haiti earthquake. In the nuclear field, robots from the ‘T-HR3’ series have been used to inspect reactors and perform maintenance tasks in nuclear plants.
