Low-cost teleoperator-controlled vehicle for damage assessment and radiation dose measurement

A low-cost, disposable, radio-controlled, remote-reading, ionizing radiation and surveillance teleoperator reentry vehicle has been built. The vehicle carries equipment, measures radiation level, and evaluates building conditions. The basic vehicle, radio control with amplifiers, telemetry, elevator, and video camera with monitor cost less than $2500. Velcro-mounted alpha, beta-gamma, and neutron sensing equipment is used in the system. Many types of health physics radiation measuring equipment may be substituted on the vehicle. Power of the vehicle equipment is carried on board and supplied by sealed lead-acid batteries. Radios are powered by 9-V alkaline batteries. Battery supplies for locomotion, camera, and lights are separate to ensure well-defined vehicle battery capacity while the camera and lights are in use.<>