The need for work in environments that are hard for people to access—such as underwater exploration, inspection and maintenance of underwater and surface structures, and nuclear power plant inspections—is increasing. In such extreme environments, existing remote robot-based communications, sensing, and control technologies have limitations. The Extreme Environment Robotics Laboratory at Pohang University of Science and Technology POSTECH is conducting research and development on robots that can perform human tasks in extreme environments such as underwater.
Yu Seon-cheol, head of the Extreme Environment Robotics Laboratory at Pohang University of Science and Technology POSTECH, said, "Robots can largely be divided into two types: those inside roofs and those for extreme environments such as mud outside roofs and underwater," adding, "The Extreme Environment Robotics Laboratory at Pohang University of Science and Technology POSTECH designs and manufactures robots suitable for the latter extreme environments and is expanding the operational envelope of robots."
Yu went on to say, "We are developing robots tailored to each specific situation, including large underwater robots for deep-sea exploration, small underwater robots capable of object manipulation, bioinspired robots that can swim and walk, and robots for inspecting inner walls of nuclear power plants."
Yu cited a waterproof robot capable of underwater exploration as an example. "It is not just a robot that is simply waterproof; it needs mobility, sensors, and communications technologies that can achieve desired missions even in the deep sea or in mud. In particular, the deep sea not only has low camera resolution but also poor communications, so precise system design is crucial to enable the robot to complete its mission and return."
Yu emphasized, "What matters most are optical, acoustic, and electromagnetic field-based sensing technologies for robots to acquire information about their surroundings, and control technologies that use the acquired information."
Yu introduced a robot developed by the Extreme Environment Robotics Laboratory for inspecting inner walls in high-altitude areas of power plants. "We developed core robot technologies specialized for high-altitude areas in which robots adhere to and inspect tall inner walls of power plants," Yu said, adding, "Robot work in environments where people cannot operate will increase further going forward."
Regarding the development of robots for extreme environments, Yu said, "On-site surveys before development are indispensable." Yu said, "For robots such as the inner-wall inspection robot for high-altitude areas, we visit sites in person to discuss with stakeholders what roles robots should play in extreme environments and develop robots that match the missions needed on site."
The Extreme Environment Robotics Laboratory established the "Pohang University of Science and Technology POSTECH·KHNP Robot Research Center" last year. The goal is to build a foundation for developing robotic technologies for nuclear power plants, vitalize the research ecosystem, and carry out integrated development of specialized robotic technologies for power plants. Yu said, "With specialized robotic technologies for nuclear power plants, we have a vision to lead the global nuclear power market and will spearhead innovation in nuclear safety technologies by unmanning high-risk tasks at power plants."
Yu also emphasized, "Through the 'Gyeongbuk Sea Grant Center,' which operates with support from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, we are helping solve regional maritime and fisheries issues." Established in 2009 by Pohang University of Science and Technology POSTECH, the Gyeongbuk Sea Grant Center conducts field-centered research and development by applying advanced IT technologies to the maritime and fisheries sector. Yu said, "By developing a customized fisheries sensor system for Gyeongbuk fisheries and a long-range search technology for trap buoys used in Gyeongbuk fishing operations, we are addressing regional maritime and fisheries issues."