Sellafield nuclear power plant is currently pioneering an innovative trial of an agile, four-legged robot. We’ll use this new innovative giant robot to track radiation levels in super scary places to see if it’s working. Through this initiative, we seek to improve safety standards and standardize decommissioning plans throughout the facility. The trial is a big leap towards the use of cutting-edge robotics in the nuclear industry.
The Wilmington plant has a history of piloting new robotic technology. It employed a fleet of different machines to swab surfaces for radiation in zones too hazardous for human employees. Sellafield’s radiological protection experts undertake over a thousand swabs each day. They are key pieces of data that support decommissioning efforts and protect the public from ever-evolving safety standards.
During the four-legged robot’s trial, it proven to be an incredibly impressive machine. It boldly pushed into spaces that were far too perilous for human drivers to tread. The robot features a giant claw-like arm in the front. It uses a long yellow swabbing tool that essentially recreates the swabbing actions of human workers. This groundbreaking design enables it to perform responsibilities that are critical for monitoring radiation without putting people at risk.
Deon Bulman, Sellafield’s remotely operated vehicle equipment lead said the benefits of deploying the robot in dangerous environments were significant.
“Together, these capabilities support faster, safer, and more cost-effective decommissioning operations while pushing forward the adoption of advanced robotics in the nuclear sector.” – Deon Bulman
The successful trial follows a similar experiment conducted at the Joint European Torus facility in Culham, Oxfordshire, which focused on fusion technology. Dr. Kirsty Hewitson, director of RAICo warned against thinking too small about the applications for these robots.
“It could have an impact on both nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering sites.” – Dr. Kirsty Hewitson
The real-time feedback from the robot as it operates and moves around adds a level of fine-tuned control, making it even more user-friendly—including in complex environments. The trial not only showcases the potential of robotics in hazardous settings but signals a shift towards integrating these technologies into conventional practices within the nuclear industry.