An overview of sensor needs for robotic cleanup of hazardous waste

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:6409498

Wiczer, J J

In considering operational needs for future robotic cleanup of chemically and radiology hazardous waste sites, the necessity for sensors becomes immediately apparent. Sensors are required to determine the current state of the robot, the characteristics of the operational environment, and the status of robot-environment interactions. It is envisioned that sensors will be essential to the entire environmental restoration, waste management, and waste minimization process. Before remediation efforts can begin, the contents of the waste site must be characterized to determine chemical and radiological hazards and identify physical obstacles. During the remediation process, sensors will be required to monitor and control operations and categorize extracted wastes. After remediation efforts, sensors will be needed to inspect and verify the thoroughness of the removal processors. This paper will review some of the types of sensors that will be needed for these applications and summarize some design considerations unique to hazardous waste site cleanup applications. 5 refs.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE/DP
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 6409498
• Report Number(s): SAND-90-2032C; CONF-910223--12; ON: DE91005311
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420203* -- Engineering-- Handling Equipment & Procedures
DESIGN
EQUIPMENT
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
REMOTE HANDLING EQUIPMENT
REMOTE SENSING
ROBOTS
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT