Space engineers from China have developed a robot to protect cultural monuments from harmful environmental influences, reported end of February Xinhua.
Scientists from Beijing’s space program have used a robot originally designed for orbital missions to protect artifacts from ancient tombs and caves.
The Chinese Academy of Space Technology (CAST) recently announced the development of such a robot. Combined with electron beam irradiation technology, the device is used as an intelligent mobile system to sterilize and destroy the bacteria that thrive on ancient wall paintings in tombs and caves.
The conventional approach to disinfection involves the use of chemical agents which, unfortunately, can pose a health risk to the people involved in the process as well as affect the murals.
Equipped with a robotic arm mounted on a mobile chassis on wheels, this device can scan scenes from tomb walls and domes. Laser sensors installed on the remote-controlled robot can detect and avoid obstacles, ensuring a safe distance between the robot and the murals.
Similar to radiation disinfection technology used in medicine, electron beams eliminate harmful bacteria that cause murals to fade or crack over time.
The project was initiated by the Dunhuang Academy – an institute for the preservation and research of the world cultural heritage of the Dunhuang Tombs in China.
In recent decades, he has accumulated extensive experience in the field of cave painting conservation. From 2020 to 2022, the academy has taken a leading role in the in-situ conservation of the nation’s tomb murals.
Illustrative Photo by Magda Ehlers: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-dog-statue-2846034/
