Fujita Corporation Press Release
Released:27 Feb 2017

Development of Advanced Remote-Controlled Robot (Robo-Q Ⅱ) and Operators for the Unmanned Machines

Fujita Corporation (The company, HQ: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. President: Yoji Okumura), a member of Daiwa House Group, has developed and tested a disaster response machine, "Robo-Q Ⅱ," in the field. The machine is an advanced, more mobile version of "Robo-Q," a simple remote-controlled device developed in collaboration with Kyushu Technical Office in Kyushu Regional Development Bureau of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT). The company also focuses on developing human resources that can operate the machine when a disaster strikes.

Remote-controlled construction machines used at disaster sites are often large in scale and scarce in numbers, which present issues with mobility and procurement. "Robo-Q" was developed as a solution to provide a prompt start on the restoration process, essential to win the race against the clock. Simply installing the device to construction machinery at a disaster site would allow them to be remote controlled. However, the improvement of the device had been a pressing matter due to increased demands for improved durability and versatility, and for quicker responses to the frequently occurring natural disasters.

The newly developed "Robo-Q Ⅱ" (the machine) is equipped with one-touch installation of the control lever to each unit, a breakdown monitoring system and a failsafe function, achieving better maintainability and safety, shorter installation time, and improved mobility in an emergency.

The machine received highly positive evaluation from a project, "The Facilitation of Next-Generation Infrastructural Robot Development and Implementation (Emergency disaster response technology)" in 2015 by MLIT and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and was anticipated for early application in the field. It is now introduced to a project by Shimabara Development Bureau in Nagasaki, "Comprehensive Preservation Project of Unzen Region Safety and Disaster Prevention," as an unmanned workforce, and being promoted for more recognition.

In the field of remote-controlled disaster response machines lack of experienced operators remains a major constraint. The company has hosted a workshop to teach how to operate Robo-Q Ⅱ at the worksite, using the actual machine in purpose of developing and educating its operators. The participants were recruited from partner companies on disaster management agreement, and the 7-day workshop covered the introduction of the machine to operation training.

The company will continue its effort to develop and train human resources needed for remote unmanned work, to be prepared for increased demands of rapid disaster relief.

As for technology field, continuous research and development for high-performance image transmission system, autonomous control of operation, and supplement to AI will be our focus for improved efficiency in times of disasters.

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Fujita Corporation
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