In short, the Sellafield nuclear power plant in England recently kicked off an exciting quadrupedal robot trial. This revolutionary robot is specially engineered for real-time radiation monitoring in dangerous environments. Sellafield’s health physics team is at the forefront of this project. They hope to increase safety and efficiency throughout the decommissioning process through the use of cutting-edge robotics technology.
The main focus of the trial was whether the robot could carry out their swabbing operations in the same manner that a human technician would. The robot is equipped with a long, flexible arm that holds a unique yellow testing swab. It intentionally reproduces the physical swabbing action required to sample radioactive materials across various surfaces. Its unprecedented design allows it to go into hazardous areas that would be unsafe for human operators. This groundbreaking innovation cuts risk dramatically without compromising on safety.
Even on normal days Sellafield’s operations have hundreds of militarised surface swabs monitoring radiation levels. The information gained from these swabs helps inform decommissioning strategies and aggression with which we must adhere to very strict safety regulations. By incorporating robotic technology into this complex process, Sellafield hopes to increase operability and precision.
It followed a highly successful test at the Joint European Torus facility, or JET, in Culham, Oxfordshire. There, scientists conducted research and development on fusion technology. The encouraging outcomes from that first trial created momentum for broader innovation in the nuclear industry.
Deon Bulman, remotely operated vehicle equipment lead at Sellafield, on the advantages offered by the robot, said,
“Together, these capabilities support faster, safer, and more cost-effective decommissioning operations while pushing forward the adoption of advanced robotics in the nuclear sector.”
Dr Kirsty Hewitson, director of RAICo, said the trial was groundbreaking. She highlighted its ability to move the needle in nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering campuses.
The camera robot increases safety for crews by patrolling dangerous environments. Through augmented reality capability, it provides immediate feedback, allowing the operator to make exact adjustments while in motion. This added functionality is an important feature because it allows technicians to step in when needed, all while keeping them safe from radiation.
Further down the line, Sellafield are actively engaging with new ideas to address challenges in radiation monitoring and decommissioning. In short, the success of this robotic trial confirms a bright future for automation in the nuclear industry. Use of other technologies like AI and machine learning will be essential to provide operational efficiencies while creating a safer transit environment.