Sellafield recently completed its first trial of RAICo. This informative and inspiring tool is designed to enhance the cognitive capabilities of robotic systems to conduct radiological assessments. This trial showcased Spot, the adaptable four-legged robot. It was outfitted with RAICo to swab surfaces and collect important data for cleaning, health safety, and decommissioning plans.
The RAICo tool is specifically designed to replicate the swabbing technique often used by human operators. Through its attachment, the robot offers “haptic feedback,” or tactile sensation to the user, giving doctors more control and precision when swabbing patients. This feature is particularly beneficial in hazardous environments, enabling the robot to operate effectively where human presence may pose risks.
To ensure compliance with stringent safety standards, and to inform working decommissioning strategies, Sellafield’s health physics team carries out hundreds of radioactive surface swabs each day. By assimilating RAICo with Spot, the group hopes to make these operations more efficient, while improving safety protocols.
Deon Bulman, who operates the plant’s remotely operated vehicle equipment, focused on the benefits of this emerging tech. He stated, “those capabilities support faster, safer, and more cost-effective decommissioning operations.” Bulman mentioned RAICo’s agility and responsiveness as an important factor that enables it to thrive in tempestuous environments.
The recent trial is the latest in a burgeoning initiative to test the potential for robotics across the nuclear sector. The Joint European Torus research facility in Culham, Oxfordshire, achieved the first successful test of RAICo. In one 7-hour test, each vehicle demonstrated the versatility, flexibility, and effectiveness of the system.
Dr. Kirsty Hewitson, the director of RAICo, said this was a notable breakthrough. She highlighted that the advancements in robotic technology are “pushing forward the adoption of advanced robotics in the nuclear sector.”
The trial at Sellafield featured Spot kitted out with a big, extendable arm. It came with a yellow swabbing tool tailor made for the purpose. The addition of RAICo is a big leap forward in technology. It demonstrates our dedication to utilizing robotics to advance safety and efficiency in our nuclear operations.