A ROBOT created by UK scientists can beat even the most steady-handed humans at Jenga.
The dextrous device, dubbed Mascot, was given “arms and fingers” to fix a super-hot fusion reactor.
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It can replace tiles, use a screwdriver, do cutting and welding and even sweeps up after itself.
Allan Moss, at the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), said: “Mascot’s movements are so precise that it’s a bit of a pro at Jenga.
“We use the game to train our remote handling teams.”
Mascot has a “haptic” remote control system which allows operators to “feel” what it is touching.
Live camera feeds allow controllers to see exactly what the robot is seeing in 3D.
Government scientists developed Mascot to maintain the JET fusion reactor in Oxford, which could be the green answer to our power needs.
The reactor heats hydrogen from sea water until it is ten times hotter than the sun, creating molten plasma but no harmful waste.
Because of the radiation and temperatures involved, humans cannot enter the reactor core to fix problems — which is where Mascot comes in.
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A second robot, known as Sibling, has been made in case Mascot runs into trouble.
Each are packed with tiny motors, allowing them to use 900 tools.
Gary Hermon, at UKAEA, added: “Robotic systems will be an integral part of future fusion power plants.”
The design of Mascot is expected to help experts in other fields such as nuclear waste clearance, space exploration, mining, healthcare and transport.
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