The Japanese company Tmsuk has developed the Enryu robot, featuring a 4.5-meter-long arm capable of lifting a small passenger vehicle with the finesse of a human hand.
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Weighing 5 tons and standing 3.5 meters tall, this robot is designed to assist in rescue operations and snow removal. |
A prototype tested in Niigata Prefecture, an area known for heavy snowfall in Japan, has operated two hydraulic arms with a reach of nearly 5 meters, each capable of lifting 500 kg.
In trials, the Enryu robot successfully lifted a car buried in deep snow and simulated breaking ice from the roof of the vehicle using modern equipment.
According to Mr. Fujita, the spokesperson for the company, Tmsuk initially designed Enryu (Rescue Dragon) as a robot for earthquake rescue operations. However, after observing the challenges posed by heavy snowfall in various regions, they decided to adjust its design for snow relief and removal.
This year, Japan has experienced significant snowfall, leading to traffic congestion, disrupting access to many mountainous villages, and resulting in at least 102 fatalities.
Equipped with seven cameras and built on a chassis similar to that of a military tank, the Enryu can be operated remotely to function in hazardous areas.
This Kyushu-based company, with assistance from robotics research centers at universities and several local governments, hopes to introduce a complete version of the robot by the end of this year.
