Now the Sellafield nuclear power plant has kicked off a bold trial. Specifically, they are testing a four-legged robot that monitors radiation more effectively than humans can. This joint effort is focused on improving safety protocols and operational efficiency in zones with radioactive material.
The recently completed trial was an important advance, as the robot carried out surface swabbing in danger areas. The robot was outfitted with an impressive, long-arm robot that actuated a yellow swabbing tool. It replicated the delicate swabbing motions typically executed by lab technicians. This new innovation has opened the door to conducting safer operations in environments previously classified as too hazardous for personnel.
Sellafield’s health physics team regularly conducts swabs, sometimes hundreds of swabs in a day. They allow the company to collect key information data to develop decommissioning plans as well as continuing to maintain safety standards. It’s envisioned this new introduction to the robot will make this process a lot easier and safer all around.
This amazing remotely operated vehicle has the maneuverability to traverse places dangerous to human operators. Through rapid feedback from the robot, more fine-grained control was made possible. This exemplifies its potential value as a well-tested, stable, proven tool in the nuclear industry.
The trial at Sellafield is currently ongoing. It follows a very successful test last year at the Joint European Torus facility in Culham, Oxfordshire. The last experiment focused on fusion technology. Despite these missteps, it laid the groundwork for some of the most exciting developments in robotics to come to the nuclear industry.
Deon Bulman, the company’s lead for remotely operated vehicle equipment, discussed the cost advantages of the new collaborative approach.
“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
Dr. Kirsty Hewitson, director of RAICo, emphasized the bigger potential picture with this technology. She stated that it “could have an impact on both nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering sites,” emphasizing the robot’s potential applications beyond Sellafield.
Part of Sellafield’s mission is to actively explore advanced technologies. We believe that deepening the integration of robotics into radiation monitoring will make operations more efficient, productive and safe. If successful, this trial would set a precedent for quicker and broader deployment of similar advances throughout the nuclear industry.