Algoryx Simulation AB (Algoryx), Sweden, and VMC Co. Ltd., Japan, have entered a joint research agreement with the National Institute of Advanced Science and Technology (AIST), Japan, to develop simulation solutions for disaster response robotics.

Japan frequently suffers from natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons and sometimes with catastrophic consequences. The Great East Japan Earthquake occured in March 2011 and the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant site remains a threath to life and society with many unsolved challenges. Because of radiation hazards, robots are considered essential for securing and decomissioning the site. Robots are built from many complex technology components including hardware and software, and are required to perform complex tasks in rough environments. Tasks may include rescuing, fire fighting, removal of rubble, destruction of walls and breaking through doors, and transportation and operation of machinery. Several robot types are considered, e.g. humanoids, crawlers and multi-legged and multi-linked robots as provided by several Japanese industry companies and research institutes.

An extensive Robot Test Field has been built in the Fukushima Prefecture to address these challenges. 3D-simulation and virtual prototyping are also considered essential enabling technologies and addressed in the Chorenoid robot simulation software developed by AIST. AGX Dynamics from Algoryx is now incorpated into Chorenoid to provide high performance realtime physics simulation.

"The Fukushima accident is associated with much sorrow, but it is also a challenge that brings out great things from people and society in terms of new technology and innovation. We are honored that Algoryx has been selected to participate in this collaboration. We get to work with some of the most advanced robotic systems in the world, developed by Japanese industry, and can hopefully contribute to some of the solutions for the challenges of the Fukushima nuclear plant site. It is something that brings deep meaning and motivation to our everyday work." says Kenneth Bodin, CEO and co-founder of Algoryx.