RadiationMonitor
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iPhone Geiger Counter would benefit Japan, needs Kickstarter love
The folks at RDTN have organized a Kickstarter project to fund the development and deployment of radiation detectors in Japan. The project uses an iPhone hacked to work with a variety of radiation detectors. The radiation units (shown here) will be sent into the field and used to collect data on radiation contamination in the Tsunami-ravaged country. Since the detectors use an iPhone, they are easy for the average person with minimal technical knowledge to operate. Japanese residents who accept these counters are required to take readings eight to ten times a day and report their data back to RDTN's website. The readings are compiled by RDTN and made accessible to non-profit organizations, governments and scientists. The first sensor was deployed on April 14 and is already reporting back information to RDTN. You can view these readings and additional future readings on RDTN's twitter account (@RDTNprobes). The group's Kickstarter project is seeking US$33,000 to initially deploy 100 devices in the field. The company's long-term goal is to equip over 600 people in Japan with devices and create a network of radiation monitors in the country.
Monirobo measures radiation following nuclear crisis at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi power plant
According to a report by a Japanese news agency, a radiation monitoring robot, aptly named Monirobo, is the first non-human responder to go on-site following the partial meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The machine, which was developed by Japan's Nuclear Safety Technology Centre to operate at lethal radiation levels, reportedly began work Friday, enlisting a 3D camera, radiation detector, and heat and humidity sensors to monitor the extent of the damage. A second Monirobo, used to collect samples and detect flammable gases, is expected to join its red counterpart soon -- both robots are operated by remote control from distances up to one kilometer away. They join the US Air Force's Global Hawk drone in unmanned surveillance of the crisis.
