Latest news with #KoreaAtomicEnergyResearchInstitute
New York Post
28-07-2025
- Science
- New York Post
Robot tosses water bottle into barrel to pass key disaster relief test
A humanoid robot developed by South Korea's nuclear research institute was able to accurately toss a water bottle into a yellow barrel from across the room, marking a significant advancement in disaster response robotics. The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute published brief video footage showing its ARMstrong Dex robot pitching the 500-milliliter bottle about 10 feet underhanded with its mechanical arm into the barrel. This test was more than just a clever stunt. It showed that the robot had key skills needed in an emergency. Advertisement 3 The humanoid robot winds up to launch a 500ml water bottle toward the yellow target barrel. YouTube/@kaerirobotlab 3 ARMstrong Dex prepares to demonstrate its throwing capability in KAERI's laboratory facility. YouTube/@kaerirobotlab In disaster zones where roads are blocked or too dangerous for people to reach, being able to quickly and accurately deliver small but essential items — like medical kits, radios or water — can be the difference between saving lives and arriving too late. Advertisement Engineers built the robot to figure out exactly where and when to throw something, adjusting its strength with split-second accuracy to make sure it lands in the right spot. The throwing capability builds upon the robot's already demonstrated physical prowess. Previous testing showed the machine executing pull-ups while supporting additional weight loads and performing controlled arm exercises with substantial resistance. 3 ARMstrong Dex executes the throwing motion using precise hydraulic arm control. YouTube/@kaerirobotlab Last month, the robot was seen in a video completing dead-hang pull-ups with a 44-pound weight attachment, followed by demonstrations of 88-pound single-arm curls designed to analyze mechanical stability and control systems. Advertisement These practice runs helped engineers adjust the robot's hydraulics, fine-tune its sensors and improve its movement software — making it fast and accurate enough to throw with precision. ARMstrong Dex's design and proportions match adults humans, enabling it to function within standard infrastructure including hallways, control rooms and equipment stations. Advertisement Tracks help the robot move over rough, debris-filled ground, while its arms can turn valves, move rubble, hook up wires, and use tools like fire extinguishers. The robot was built mainly for disaster zones and nuclear sites, with remote controls that let people operate it from a safe distance, away from danger.
Korea Herald
17-04-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Korea scores 1st nuclear research reactor project from US
Research reactor to support advanced materials studies, medical isotope production, with full project timeline spanning 8-10 years A Korea-led consortium has signed a contract to work on a research reactor project in the United States, marking the country's first-ever export of reactor technology to the US. According to the Ministry of Science and ICT on Thursday, the consortium comprising the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Hyundai Engineering and American engineering company MPR Associates will work with the University of Missouri on the initial design phase of a project to build a new research reactor — the Next Generation Missouri University Research Reactor. Research reactors, unlike nuclear power reactors built to generate electricity, produce neutrons, which can be used for the study of materials at the atomic level as well as the production of radioisotopes for medicine, industry and research. The Science Ministry highlighted that the project recognized the world-class level of Korea's nuclear reactor technologies, which have come a long way since the country obtained its first research reactor from the US in 1959. 'The secured project is another milestone that was achieved through the combination of our researchers' unmatched technological abilities and the private sector's expertise in overseas businesses,' said Joo Han-gyu, president of KAERI. According to the University of Missouri, the $10 million initial agreement is projected to take about six months to complete and the results will be used for the preliminary design and licensing phase, which will be under a separate contract. The entire project is expected to take between eight to 10 years. 'Moving forward, the government will strengthen strategic exports of research reactors,' said Yoo Sang-im, Minister of Science and ICT. 'The government will bolster the development of advanced nuclear reactor technologies, which is a national strategic technology, to lead the global nuclear reactor sector and advance it into a future growth engine to bring prosperity to the Korean people.'
