Sellafield nuclear power plant stands out as a remarkable success story in that regard, thanks to an innovative initiative. They are improving radiation monitoring by using novel robotics. The facility recently wrapped up its initial trial of an experimental swabbing tool. This model was created for Spot, Boston Dynamics’ four-legged robot. This groundbreaking tool, branded as RAICo, is designed to make the decommissioning process quicker and more cost-effective while increasing safety standards.
Providing the ultimate in scalability and flexibility, the RAICo tool can be mounted directly to Spot. Once linked up, Spot is able to effectively swab like human laborers. Sellafield health physics team running daily hundreds of routine surface swabs for contamination. These tests are extremely important to developing decommissioning plans and safely operating the site until decommissioning is complete.
Responsible for remotely operated vehicle equipment at Sellafield Deon Bulman. He pointed to the benefits of utilizing robotics in dangerous spaces. He noted, Spot’s agility and responsiveness allow it to operate in hazardous environments. This translates to the ability of humans to avoid dangerous environments, protecting them from harm.
“Those capabilities support faster, safer, and more cost-effective decommissioning operations.” – Deon Bulman
This addition of RAICo makes the monitoring process more efficient as well as safer. Participants use this robotic swab and the robot provides haptic feedback when swabbing. This feature improves control and precision, maximizing the data captured during these critical operations.
Dr. Kirsty Hewitson, director of RAICo, said she was hopeful about the future possibilities of robotic applications in nuclear facilities. Breakthrough trials at Sellafield follow a successful proof-of-concept test at the Joint European Torus facility in Culham, Oxfordshire. There, scientists used the same type of technology to push experimental fusion operations to the next level.
Bulman highlighted the wider potential of this technology within the nuclear industry. He stated that these advancements are “pushing forward the adoption of advanced robotics in the nuclear sector,” illustrating a commitment to integrating innovative solutions in challenging environments.
As Sellafield continues to test and refine its use of robotic technology, it sets a precedent that may influence other facilities within the industry. If RAICo and Spot are successfully implemented and adopted, they have the potential to revolutionize radiation monitoring. This development will help make decommissioning efforts safer and more effective.