UK nuclear power plant Sellafield has already successfully trials of a four-legged robot for instance. This new and innovative robot was developed to measure radiation levels in dangerous places. This novel technology has the potential to significantly improve safety and efficiency in locations where radioactive materials are used or stored. The robot has an industrial-strength arm that brandishes a fluorescent-yellow swabbing apparatus. It cleverly imitates the swabbing maneuver of a human technician.
The trial focused on the robot’s ability to swab surfaces in contaminated zones, an essential task that Sellafield’s health physics team undertakes daily. Every day, we do hundreds of such swabs. Robotic assistance will make operations more efficient and it will help get humans out of potentially hazardous conditions.
Perhaps most importantly, the robot’s agility allows it to operate in spaces that threaten human laborers with harm. Its innovative design provides sophisticated control and real-time feedback, delivering accurate monitoring and precise data collection. This ability is key to primary safety engineering standards and informing more effective decommissioning strategies.
The recently successful trial at Sellafield follows on from last year’s successful test. That test was conducted at the Joint European Torus facility in Culham, Oxfordshire. The first trial navigated the possibilities for robotics within fusion technology environments. Beyond efficiency savings, Dr. Kirsty Hewitson, director of RAICo, commented on the wider impact of these robotic pursuits.
“This could have an impact on both nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering sites.” – Dr Kirsty Hewitson
As smart cities project team member Deon Bulman explained, robotic technology brings efficiencies that are innovations on the field.
“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 data gathered during the robot’s swabbing operations will be vital in informing future decommissioning strategies at Sellafield. As the industry continues to explore automation and robotics, this trial marks a significant step towards enhancing operational safety and efficiency in nuclear environments.
