Now, Japanese robots can build infrastructure, save human lives during disasters

Singapore /Tokyo: Japan has developed robots to help rescue victims during any disaster. The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) recently displayed these robots and the work that they do.

HRP-2 Kai has hip joint. It has a distinctive characteristic of walking by crossing its feet. It facilitates walking through narrow paths smoothly.

JAXON functions like a human being. It has the capability of carrying or running like a human being. It can also perform multiple tasks.

Hydra has workable parts closest to human being. It is a humanoid robot.

Except the neck, most of its body works by oil pressure. It does not work with the help of gears.

These robots have been developed to work during rescue missions and are in demand in many countries.

"The humanoid can go into dangerous disastrous areas. It is a high level collaboration between a human being and a robot. It will be realistic dream come true after 10 or 20 years," said Shuji Umitori of New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO).

NEDO is planning to demonstrate the work of these robots by holding an international competition.

"We have plans to hold an international competition of robots. Asian countries are very welcome to participate. Robots can play a significant role in rescuing victims during disasters like earthquake and tsunami," Umitori said.

Meanwhile, in rapidly growing Singapore, a Japanese company is supplying railway electrical equipments to companies operating urban railways.

"We supply power supply system and equipment for railway operators in many countries, including Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Dubai. Here in Singapore, Meidensha have supplied power supply equipments since 1987 and those equipments are well working for the train service," said Shinichiro Kon, General Manager, Railway System Engineering Division, Meidensha Corporation.

Lim Al Guan,Senior Manager, Plan and Engineering, SMRT Trains Ltd said the lines in Singapore cover a total length of 130 km and serve more than 2.1 million passengers daily.

"SMRT Trains Ltd was incorporated in 1987 and operates the first mass rapid transit system in Singapore. The North-South and East-West lines, as well as the Circle Line have 85 stations along major high density travel corridors. The lines cover a total length of 130km and serve more than 2.1 million passengers daily," Guan said.

"Meidensha is our partner for electrical equipment. They are capable of supplying high-quality power. In fact, they have supplied the power for the North-South East-West Lines for many years. Meidensha is a reliable partner essential to the safe and reliable operation of SMRT," Guan added.

"In recent years, we have introduced an OCS condition measuring system that precisely measures overhead line position and wear, as photographed by the camera installed on the roof of a train. This saves labour and makes maintenance more efficient. SBS operates trains with our OCS condition measuring system installed," Seiji Tabayashi, Chief Engineer, Railway System Business Engineering Division, Meidensha Corporation said.

"To make the maintenance inspection more efficient, We have introduced the OCS measuring system made by Japan's Meidensha. Previously, we did data measurements manually, Precision has improved since we introduced OCS condition measuring system. The system has made the maintenance work more efficient, and helps us to improve the reliability of OCS system," said Alvin Lim Tian Chie, Engineer, Power & OCS Engineering, SBS Transit Ltd.

Manufactured in Japan, Meidensha's power supply system and electrical equipments guarantee higher levels of safety and reliability in the transportations in Singapore.