Sellafield nuclear power plant has begun testing a four-legged robot named Spot, designed to monitor radiation levels in hazardous areas. Boston Dynamics built Spot with state-of-the-art technology. We’re proud that this innovation enhances the safety and efficiency of the nuclear industry. This trial comes after a similar implementation succeeded at the Joint European Torus experimental facility in Culham, Oxfordshire.
To this end, the health physics team at Sellafield carries out hundreds of surface swabs each day to monitor radiation levels. Spot, with its long, extendable arm, grips a yellow swabbing tool emblazoned with RAICo’s logo. This smart, robotic attachment mimics the human workers’ vertical and horizontal swab action. It opens up new pathways for useful monitoring in situations too hazardous for humans to safely go.
Deon Bulman in charge of the plant’s remotely operated vehicle gear, checking readiness before a dive. He emphasized the benefits of deploying cutting-edge robotics in the service industry. He said Spot’s agility and responsiveness allows it to operate in places where having a human on the ground would be dangerous.
“Those capabilities support faster, safer, and more cost-effective decommissioning operations.” – Deon Bulman
The robot provides ‘haptic feedback’ while swabbing, which increases grip and accuracy. This impressive capability means it has become an invaluable asset for the unmanned team at Sellafield. The trial is a glimpse into the exciting future of how robotics could reshape day-to-day operations. It fuels the nuclear sector’s momentum for the adoption of new technologies.
Dr. Kirsty Hewitson, director of RAICo, supports this initiative, emphasizing the importance of innovation in improving safety protocols and operational efficiency. By utilizing robotic solutions like Spot, Sellafield aims to set a precedent for future practices in radioactive monitoring and decommissioning.