Robot’s Two-Week Mission Marks Key Step In Fukushima Decommissioning - 1

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Robot’s Two-Week Mission Marks Key Step In Fukushima Decommissioning

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

On Tuesday, Japan took a significant step in the decades-long cleanup of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant as an extendable robot began its mission to retrieve the first sample of melted fuel debris, as reported by the AP .

The AP notes that this marks the start of the most challenging phase of the plant’s decommissioning, which began after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that triggered meltdowns at three reactors.

The robot, nicknamed “Telesco,” is designed to extend up to 22 meters into the reactor vessel to reach the radioactive fuel, using tongs to collect a small fragment weighing less than 3 grams, notes the AP.

The Diplomat reports that this small sample is crucial to assess the fuel’s condition and inform future removal strategies. Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO), the plant operator, has limited daily operations to two hours to minimize radiation exposure.

ABC News says that the mission was originally set to begin on August 22 but was delayed when workers discovered that five 1.5-meter pipes, meant to guide the robot into the reactor, had been assembled incorrectly.

TEPCO stated that the issue was resolved, and the equipment was reassembled correctly for the new attempt on Tuesday. Once inside the reactor, the robot is remotely operated from a remote location, as noted by ABC News.

TEPCO has previously used robots to inspect the damaged reactors, but this is the first time a physical sample of the molten fuel will be retrieved. The mission is expected to take two weeks to complete, states the AP.

The Diplomat states that sampling the melted fuel debris is a crucial first step. Understanding the melted fuel debris is essential to determine how best to remove, store, and dispose of the 880 tons of radioactive material still inside the reactors.

Experts expect the sample will also provide more clues about how the meltdown 13 years ago played out, some of which is still a mystery, as reported by The Diplomat.

The AP notes that the decommissioning process is expected to take 30 to 40 years, though experts have criticized this timeline as overly optimistic.

Despite these advances, significant challenges remain. Only a small fraction of evacuees have returned to their homes, as concerns over radiation and a lack of jobs or community infrastructure persist, reports in another article the AP .

Furthermore, the release of treated radioactive water into the sea has faced backlash, particularly from local fishers and neighboring countries like China. Although TEPCO and the Japanese government claim the water is safely diluted and meets international safety standards, the controversy continues, reports the AP.

Fukushima’s fishing industry has been hit hard, yet domestic support has increased. The government has earmarked 10 billion yen to aid Fukushima’s fisheries. Still, removing the melted fuel is considered the most challenging aspect of the cleanup, reports the AP.

According to The Diplomat, some propose entombing the Fukushima plant, as was done at Chernobyl. However, experts argue that this approach is not viable due to the plant’s exposure to seismic activity and water. Instead, they emphasize that a methodical and controlled removal of the debris will be essential for the safe decommissioning of the site.

InMobi Raises $100 Million for New AI Acquisitions and Development - 2

Photo by Owen Michael Grech on Unsplash

InMobi Raises $100 Million for New AI Acquisitions and Development

  • Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
  • Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Former Lead Cybersecurity Editor

According to the press release , MARS Growth Capital, along with MUFG and Liquidity Group, participated in the financial agreement.

The Singapore-based startup is working on strategies to improve engagement and study how users consume content. With the new funding, they expect to power machine learning and AI features, as well as potentially acquire AI-focused businesses and products.

“AI is the bedrock of both InMobi’s consumer and enterprise businesses, and we are using it to power the revolutionary lock screen experiences and InMobi Advertising’s platforms. We are reimagining how ads can be made truly native by driving superior engagement and outcomes for consumers, advertisers and publishers,” said InMobi’s CEO, Naveen Tewari. “We’re pleased to have the confidence and funding from MARS Growth Capital to further accelerate our growth trajectory.”

The startup has been backed by investors to develop high-performing technology and expand AI efforts.

“AI is redefining the way businesses operate and create value, and InMobi is well-positioned to leverage its capabilities across multiple spaces in consumer and advertising technology,” said the Head of APAC, Managing Director at Liquidity and MARS Growth Capital, Navas Ebin. “A business of InMobi’s scale requires an agile tech-driven growth partner. We’re thrilled to work with InMobi to power their next wave of innovation in AI and consumer internet verticals.”

The startup valued at around $10 billion, has employees across 50 countries, and is planning an initial public offering (IPO) next year in India.