German researchers are sending smart drones and robots on an unusual mission: to probe deeper into radioactive regions completely out of reach for human crews.
Specialists from the Sensor Data and Information Fusion arm of Fraunhofer FKIE have armed drones with gamma detectors to allow them to monitor radiation, while electro-optical and infrared cameras feed data to onboard Intel processors for real-time analysis.
An inertial measurement unit (IMU) and LTE communications link allow operators to receive live imagery and data from the ground, detecting hazardous materials in people, vehicles, and buildings.
The drones operate in two phases: an exploration stage, sweeping target areas to collect baseline data, and a search stage, triggered by deviations in radiation readings.
During search mode, the drones follow programmed flight paths and use heat and probability maps to pinpoint radioactive material while avoiding previously scanned areas to narrow the search.
Robotic Backup
Autonomous robots complement the drones, surveying hazardous zones and verifying radiation readings against baseline data.
The team has developed “intelligent navigation and assistive functions” to ensure robots cover all required areas, giving researchers a full picture of radioactive material’s type, size, and position before emergency crews are deployed.
Equipped with gripper arms, the robots can pick up radioactive debris with just a mouse click. It can also measure radiation levels and store the contaminated materials in a special container.
The arms can also perform more complex movements, such as opening doors, enabling operations in confined or hard-to-reach spaces.
Upgrades in the Works
Researchers are now developing photorealistic 3D models of the robots’ surroundings using specialized sensors, creating a virtual reality environment to enhance detection and situational awareness.
While the robots’ IMU already tracks position and movement in 3D, future updates will allow operators to inspect objects from multiple angles without moving.
A “jacket control” feature could also let operators guide the robots using natural arm movements, enabling personnel with no prior training to control the systems intuitively.
Preventative Action
The project, run with the German Bundeswehr’s Research Institute for Protective Technologies, aims to prevent incidents like the 2023 cesium capsule spill, which took days to contain.
“This system can precisely track down a radioactive source to within a few meters in only a few minutes,” the team stated.
Prototypes have already been tested at a training site in Munster, Germany, demonstrating their potential for real-world use.
