A pioneering trial at Sellafield has demonstrated how Spot, a four-legged robot, can be more effective. This amazing machine tracks radiation by sampling the surfaces of objects. This effort is powered by a unique tool called RAICo. It connects to Spot’s extendable arm and conducts vitally important work in environments with radioactive substances.
This was successfully tested on the RAICo system last year at the Joint European Torus facility in Culham, Oxfordshire. Today, a second trial is building on that success. In the UK, testing at Sellafield is pushing the envelope on advanced fusion technology. Simultaneously, we are improving protection in dangerous settings. Health physics staff at Sellafield take swabs by the hundred each day. This points to the pressing need for more efficient and reliable environmental disaster monitoring solutions.
Spot’s specialized, nimble design enables it to move like a human during the swabbing process, greatly increasing the accuracy of the task at hand. The robot incorporates advanced haptic feedback technology. Thanks to this innovation, operators have increased control while executing operations, quickly making the robot an indispensable asset in radioactive areas. Its agility and sensitivity allow it to operate in spaces that have been considered too hazardous for human operators.
Operationally, Deon Bulman supervises the plant’s remotely operated vehicle (ROV) equipment. His message focused on how this technology really shines for decommissioning work.
“Those capabilities support faster, safer, and more cost-effective decommissioning operations.” – Deon Bulman
Through this integration of RAICo with Spot, Sellafield hopes to make its radiation monitoring endeavors more efficient and effective, keeping workers safe without sacrificing efficiency. Ideal for extreme environments, the robot increases operational effectiveness by performing where other responders can’t. Statewide, this capability saves taxpayer dollars associated with costly decommissioning projects.
According to Dr. Kirsty Hewitson, director of RAICo, this trial has significant implications. It is strategically positioned to spur greater utilization of robotics in the nuclear industry. The successful upscaling of this technology is a huge leap toward modernizing safety measures.
“Pushing forward the adoption of advanced robotics in the nuclear sector.” – Deon Bulman
Those beneficial results from this trial at Sellafield will inform and guide future projects. These projects by the NNSA will improve safety and operating efficiency in the handling of radioactive materials. Looking ahead as technological advancement accelerates, these game-changers will make it possible to reimagine standard operating procedures in the most hazardous working conditions.