Fukushima Nuclear Power Station Uses Virtual Reality to Enhance Decommissioning Work

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the Japan Atomic Energy Agency developed a virtual reality (VR) system to aid in the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. The system utilizes a freely moving gamma-ray imager combined with simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) technology to visualize the distribution of radioactive substances in three dimensions. This allows workers to experience the actual working environment without radiation exposure, increasing efficiency and reducing risk. The VR system can be implemented with an inexpensive head-mounted display apparatus and free or low-cost application software.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station experienced a meltdown in 2011 due to a large tsunami caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
  • The Japan Atomic Energy Agency partnered with JSPS KAKENHI and JAEA Nuclear Energy S&T and Human Resource Development Project to fund the research.
  • The VR system uses a freely moving gamma-ray imager combined with SLAM technology to create a 3D model of the working environment.
  • The system enables users to experience the actual working environment without radiation exposure, reducing the risk of radiation exposure for workers.
  • The VR system can be implemented using an inexpensive head-mounted display apparatus and free or low-cost application software.

Statistics:

  • The Great East Japan Earthquake occurred on March 11, 2011.
  • The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station was operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. at the time of the meltdown.
  • The Japan Atomic Energy Agency was involved in the research.
  • JSPS KAKENHI, JAEA Nuclear Energy S&T and Human Resource Development Project, and others funded the research.
  • The VR system can be implemented with an inexpensive head-mounted display apparatus and free or low-cost application software.
  • The research concluded that the VR system enables users to experience the actual working environment without radiation exposure, reducing risk.

Sources:

  • VerticalNews. Researcher Develops Gamma-ray Imager for Nuclear Waste Decommissioning. October 9, 2020.
  • NewsRx. New Findings from Japan Atomic Energy Agency Describe Advances in Nuclear Physics (Construction of Virtual Reality System for Radiation Working Environment Reproduced By Gamma-ray Imagers Combined With Slam Technologies). Energy Weekly News. October 9, 2020; p 538.