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A new technology using drones, developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency for use by authorities in Fukushima Prefecture in Japan, has been tested and validated under real conditions in Fukushima and is available for practical use in routine or emergency situations.
The IAEA said the drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are equipped with radiation detectors, cameras and GPS devices. After the drone takes off, radiation readings and other relevant information are synchronised with exact GPS position and sent in real time to the pilot at the ground station and stored onboard.
The data collected using the drone systems can be used to assess potential radiation risks and help establish appropriate remediation, decontamination and nuclear waste management plans and strategies in Japan.
The IAEA said it is ready to help member states to develop and implement the technology for radiological mapping following a nuclear or radiological emergency.
“Recently there have been breakthrough advances in UAVs and major developments are expected in the near future, including larger payloads, integrated detectors and sensors, improved self-navigation and the ability for the vehicles to work in cooperation with other UAVs as well as ground systems,” the IAEA said. “The IAEA is working on the integration and testing of new, improved instrumentation, including its adaptation to the next generation of UAVs.”
