Desired Robot Technology in Consideration of the Records on Natural Disasters in Kyushu Region

Mount Sakurajima near Kagoshima City This paper addresses records of natural disasters occurring in Japan’s Kyushu region. Kyushu, from north to south, is the site of frequent natural disasters – typhoons, heavy rains, volcanic eruptions, etc. The first half of this paper reviews volcanic disasters focusing on Mount Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture. The second half reviews water disasters caused by typhoons and torrential rains, such as the August 1993 Heavy Rainstorm in Kagoshima Prefecture, the July 2009 Chugoku-Northern Kyushu District Heavy Rainstorm, and the July 2012 Northern Kyushu District Heavy Rainstorm. The possibility of using robot technology to reduce damages is considered, as is that for disaster measures.