Sellafield, the nuclear complex in Cumbria, made the headlines this summer by reaching a key milestone. Since then, it’s carried out successful trials of a new four-legged robot that swabs surfaces contaminated with radioactive material. This cutting-edge technology is intended to improve safety and efficiency in the facility’s decommissioning activities.
The trial included a robot controlled from a distance. It featured a giant arm protruding from the front, brandishing an intimidatingly-shaped yellow spabbing tool. This attachment replicates swabbing movements just like humans do. That’s to allow the robot to collect important information about surfaces being scanned for radiation contamination. The health physics team at Sellafield currently performs hundreds of swabs daily to assess safety standards and formulate effective decommissioning strategies.
The four-legged robot’s agility allows it to traverse areas that would otherwise be hazardous for human workers. By providing precise feedback, the robot allows operators to control its movements effectively, ensuring that it can perform tasks safely in hazardous environments.
A similar successful test of robotic technology took place last year at the Joint European Torus (JET) facility in Culham, Oxfordshire. This history of success laid the groundwork for Sellafield’s recent, successful test trial. Importantly, it showcased the capabilities of robotic systems in the nuclear space.
Dr. Kirsty Hewitson, director of RAICo, noted the significance of these advancements, stating that they “could have an impact on both nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering sites.”
Deon Bulman, the lead on the robot equipment project, emphasized the importance of this technology for future operations at Sellafield.
“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
This robotic system is a major technological breakthrough. It further lends momentum to other current efforts to enhance training and safety protocols at civilian nuclear facilities. As Sellafield continues to test and refine this technology, it may pave the way for broader applications within the industry.