Sellafield nuclear power plant in England has introduced a groundbreaking autism employment program. As part of the process to develop better radiation monitoring, they are currently testing a four-legged robot called Spot. This Shift initiative takes a deep dive into the promise and pitfalls of robots assuming functions historically reserved for humans, especially in dangerous settings. Through the use of innovative technology, Sellafield is working to make its decommissioning operations safer and more efficient across the board.
The trial uses Spot, which is outfitted with a device known as RAICo. This tool was purposefully built to replicate the swabbing action that human operators typically conduct with their hands. The robot’s speed and maneuverability allows it to probe spaces considered too dangerous, keeping soldiers out of harm’s way. Spot’s large, extendable arm carries a unique yellow swabbing tool that enables accurate surface analysis to be taken.
Sellafield has a good track record that includes using robotic technology for radiation monitoring on the complex. In fact, they’ve already tested robots for swabbing in hazardous environments. This exciting new trial expands upon that great precedent. That’s why the health physics team at the plant swabs hundreds of surfaces every day. The information gathered by these operations is critical for assessing decommissioning approaches and compliance with intrusion detection requirements and safety standards.
Deon Bulman directs a plant remotely operated vehicle equipment. He enthusiastically pointed out the benefits of bringing robotics into the decommissioning process.
“Those capabilities support faster, safer, and more cost-effective decommissioning operations.” – Deon Bulman
The RAICo tool makes data collection easy and seamless. It provides you ‘haptic feedback’ during the swabbing process to help guide you for a more immersive and accurate testing experience. This feature improves accuracy and functionality, giving users greater control and precision to accurately measure radiation levels on multiple surfaces.
Last year, the Joint European Torus facility in Culham, Oxfordshire, held a record-breaking trial. It demonstrated the tremendous impact that robotic technology can have in nuclear environments. As Sellafield moves further on these innovations, Bulman was just as keen to talk about pushing robotic applications throughout the sector.
“We are pushing forward the adoption of advanced robotics in the nuclear sector.” – Deon Bulman
Sellafield is doing extremely important work pushing the ball forward with this trial. They’re committed to leading the future of safer, smarter, and more efficient operations by incorporating innovative robotic solutions. Whatever is learned from this trial will likely set a precedent for future robotic applications in nuclear facilities worldwide. It would bolster technology’s role in improving worker safety and making complicated operations simpler.