Robotic demonstration: Humanoid nuclear waste cleaner successfully completes 500 milliliter bottle tossing trial
Advanced Robot ARMstrong Dex Demonstrates Precision and Strength in Disaster Response Test
In a significant development, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) has announced that its human-scale robot, ARMstrong Dex, has successfully passed a disaster response test. The robot, designed for disaster-response and nuclear-facility operations, demonstrated its ability to calculate throwing force and trajectory in real time, enabling it to deliver supplies accurately in emergency scenarios.
ARMstrong Dex, a dual-arm hydraulic robot, has been refined to possess strength comparable to humans and the agility required for complex tasks under hazardous conditions. In a test focusing on single-arm performance, the robot managed to perform 88-pound (40 kg) arm curls, and in June 2025, it demonstrated vertical pull-ups with a 44-pound (20 kg) weight.
The robot's tracked base allows it to navigate rough, debris-filled terrain, and its arms can manipulate tools, turn valves, remove rubble, and connect wires. It can also traverse debris-strewn or unstable terrain with caterpillar tracks, making it ideal for disaster zones.
One of the key innovations of ARMstrong Dex is its ability to operate in hazardous environments such as nuclear disaster zones, controlled remotely to keep human workers safe. This feature is particularly important in disaster response, as it allows the robot to support trapped victims or teammates by accurately throwing lightweight supplies.
KAERI's latest achievement with ARMstrong Dex underscores its ongoing refinement in strength, agility, and precision, crucial for effective disaster response and nuclear facility management. The institute has also transferred its advanced robotic technology to a company specializing in dismantling nuclear facilities, indicating practical applications beyond testing.
Meanwhile, other technological advancements are making headlines. For instance, scientists have grown aircraft-grade carbon fiber from algae in a breakthrough green tech trial. Additionally, a spectrometer has been developed that can capture the full light spectrum in under one millisecond.
In other news, a robotic hand has been developed that can build pizza and help people with disabilities regain independence. Furthermore, Germany has installed the first turbine base for a wind farm that will power 1.6 million homes.
These advancements highlight the rapid pace of technological progress and the potential for innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges.
[1] KAERI [2] Victex [3] Idaho National Lab
- The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) has showcased its pioneering role in technology with the development of the human-scale robot ARMstrong Dex, designed for disaster response and nuclear-facility operations.
- In a different domain, Idaho National Lab is co-developing a robotics company named Victex, which aims to enhance safety and efficiency in the nuclear industry by using the latest robotics technology.
- Meanwhile, technology in the finance sector is also advancing rapidly, with the development of a robotic hand capable of mimicking human movements to construct pizzas, a task that could help people with disabilities regain independence.
- The energy industry is also benefiting from advancements in robotics and technology, such as the installation of the first turbine base for a wind farm by Germany, a project that will generate electricity to power 1.6 million homes.
