Engineering robotic avatars to survive lethal ionizing radiation, corrosive acid vapors, and explosive volatile atmospheres.
Sensitive computing boards use Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) rad-hardened processors rated for total ionizing doses up to 100 kGy. Video feeds travel through radiation-resistant quartz optical fibers, preventing gamma-induced optical browning.
In petrochemical refineries, robot joints are purged with pressurized dry nitrogen, maintaining positive internal pressure that prevents flammable gases from contacting electrical commutators.