Hozumi Usui

About

Hozumi Usui pioneered the application of robotic and telerobotic systems for the safe dismantling of nuclear reactors, a critical challenge in decommissioning hazardous radioactive facilities. His most impactful work centered on the Japan Power Demonstration Reactor (JPDR), where he demonstrated the use of underwater plasma arc cutting operated by robotic manipulators—a technique that dramatically reduced occupational radiation exposure and improved waste management efficiency. This landmark 1988 study, with 17 citations, established a benchmark for remote cutting of reactor internals. Usui further advanced the field by developing prototype light-duty and heavy-duty telerobotic systems, detailed in his 1991 papers, which addressed key engineering problems in man-machine interface, system control, and communication. His experimental remote handling devices, first described in 1984, laid the groundwork for these innovations. Through his work, Usui significantly contributed to reducing manpower requirements and enhancing work efficiency in high-radiation environments, making him a foundational figure in the development of remote handling technology for nuclear decommissioning.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Dismantling of JPDR Internals Using Underwater Plasma Arc Cutting Technique Operated by Robotic Manipulator

   17 citations · 1988
2. 2
   Development of Telerobotic Systems for Reactor Decommissioning, (I)

   4 citations · 1991
3. 3
   Dismantling of JPDR internals using underwater plasma arc cutting technique operated by robotic manipulator.

   2 citations · 1988
4. 4
   Development of Telerobotic Systems for Reactor Decommissioning, (I). Prototype Light-Duty System.

   2 citations · 1991
5. 5
   An experimental remote handling system

   2 citations · 1986
6. 6
   An Experimental Remote Handling Device

   2 citations · 1984
7. 7
   Development of Telerobotic Systems for Reactor Decommissioning, (II)

   2 citations · 1991

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links