Japan: Nuclear cleanup robots could get radiation-resistant Wi-Fi chip

Researchers at the Institute of Science in Tokyo have developed a novel 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi receiver chip that can endure extremely high radiation doses up to 500 kilograys (kGy), addressing a critical challenge in nuclear power plant decommissioning. Currently, robots used in hazardous environments like the Fukushima Daiichi site rely on cumbersome LAN cables, which limit their mobility and operational efficiency due to snagging and breakage risks. This new radiation-hardened chip enables wireless communication, potentially allowing multiple robots to operate simultaneously and more safely without the constraints of heavy wiring. The chip’s radiation resistance is achieved by simplifying its design to reduce vulnerable transistor areas, replacing sensitive active transistors with stable passive inductors, and scaling component dimensions to minimize charge trapping and leakage caused by gamma radiation. Performance tests confirmed the chip’s ability to maintain high-quality signal processing with minimal loss after exposure to intense radiation, matching the capabilities of standard commercial Wi-Fi receivers. This innovation not only promises to enhance nuclear decommissioning