Sellafield’s health physics team recently announced a groundbreaking trial with a four-legged robot called Spot, made by Boston Dynamics. This robotic innovation looks to enhance radiation monitoring in dangerous environments. This uncommon method is made possible with an innovative raindrop-shaped swabbing tool known as RAICo. It connects to the Spot robot and quickly and safely swabs surfaces for the presence of radioactive material.
The trial represents Sellafield’s continued efforts towards incorporating robotics to their safety-first approach. Daily, the health physics team carries out hundreds of swabs on various surfaces to determine decommissioning strategies and maintain safety standards. This work is important as the facility oversees the safe decommissioning of nuclear materials.
Last year, we concluded a successful test of the RAICo tool on the Joint European Torus facility in Culham, Oxfordshire. This accomplishment definitely paved the way for its future use at Sellafield. Dr. Kirsty Hewitson, director of RAICo, noted that the trial follows a highly successful test last year at the facility. She focused on the changes this new trial can achieve.
Deon Bulman, who is in charge of Sellafield’s remotely operated vehicle fleet, had previously acknowledged Spot’s excitement-inducing capabilities. Besides saving time and money, he stressed that the nimbleness and reactivity of the robot allow it to work in spaces too hazardous for human operators to enter safely.
“Those capabilities support faster, safer, and more cost-effective decommissioning operations.” – Deon Bulman
Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot is outfitted with a huge, extendable arm that’s capable of holding the yellow swabbing implement. The T818A’s ergonomic design provides greater flexibility and faster, more accurate control when performing radiation monitoring operations. Bulman pointed up the significance of the robot’s ‘haptic feedback’ as a game changer in swabbing procedures. This advanced feature substantially increases the accuracy of all these activities.
“Pushing forward the adoption of advanced robotics in the nuclear sector.” – Deon Bulman
This trial marks an important milestone in the deployment of technology into nuclear safety culture. Robotics improves efficiency and reduces the risk of harm to humans due to exposure in radioactive environments.
Interestingly, Sellafield is on the cutting edge of exploring various robotic applications. These tools have the potential to change the game in monitoring and decommissioning. The collaboration between advanced technology and safety standards could lead to more effective management of hazardous materials in the future.