“Sellafield Ltd has pioneered the adoption of technology across its operations, and this latest milestone is another step forward for the role of robotics in decommissioning,” AtkinsRéalis’ lead decommissioning technology solutions, Richard Brook, said. This is a nuclear first for safety the remote control of the quadruped robot, Spot, Boston Dynamics manufactured at the Cumbrian Sellafield nuclear plant. For the first time, robotics technology has been applied remotely from outside the perimeter of the site, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in hostile environments.
Sellafield, the world’s largest and most complex nuclear facility, has been at the heart of the UK’s nuclear decommissioning program for decades. Operations within such high risk environments have traditionally required direct human involvement, putting the lives of staff at risk. But this trial with Spot is different. Under remote control from a virtual reality suite at Whitehaven’s Westlakes Science Park, the robot executed inspection work, recorded measurements, and even cleaning tasks all without anyone on the ground. And all thanks to a highly secure virtual access network, with operation integrity and safety assured.
“This successful trial marks a significant milestone in our journey towards integrating advanced robotics into our operations at Sellafield,” said Deon Bulman, programme lead for the ROV equipment programme at Sellafield Ltd. The success of the project shows the immense capability of digital innovation to enhance decision-making, reduce the cost of operation, and more significantly, limit the exposure of human beings to dangerous environments. Bulman added, “The ability to remotely operate robotic systems like Spot demonstrates how digital innovation can enhance safety, efficiency, and decision-making on nuclear-licensed sites.”
The robot itself is a technical marvel. Adapted by AtkinsRéalis, Spot is able to traverse obstacle filled terrain and perform tasks that are challenging for standard equipment. The trial also attempted to send video from non sensitive areas of the site so off site specialists could see in real time what was being done. Such a centre not only time and money saves but also is effective. As AtkinsRéalis says, this kind of virtual access to the site has been attempted on huge construction projects around the globe, but on a licensed nuclear power station, it is groundbreaking.
Sellafield Ltd’s use of robots is only part of an overall scheme in the RAICo program, including the UK Atomic Energy Authority, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), and institutions like the University of Manchester. The program has as its target reducing the presence of humans in hazardous areas by 50 percent by 2030. Advanced automation technologies do exist, but integrating them into nuclear work has been marred with issues. RAICo aims to surmount these challenges by creating real-time control systems, 3D visualization software, and an information technology development platform to facilitate the whole innovation process.
The trial size goes far beyond Sellafield. As Brook said, “Virtual site access is already being used in the delivery of major infrastructure programmes this trial is a big step towards unlocking its benefits for nuclear licensed sites without compromising safety or security.” With robotics and secure remote technologies, the NDA group is transforming nuclear decommissioning delivery. This technique could be used throughout other nuclear facilities, providing a scalable solution to one of the sector’s biggest issues.
Spot’s outward success also goes some way toward explaining the ethical and utilitarian impact of robotics on high risk situations. While technology can render danger redundant and assure efficiency, it too has its limitations when it comes to the potential for human labor to be used in the equation. Based on the situation at hand, however, Sellafield Ltd and AtkinsRéalis’ company is an insight into how technology might support human potential rather than withdrawing it.
AtkinsRéalis technology lead Pete Allport oversaw Spot during the trial and maintained tight attention to secure digital processes. Months were spent getting the cyber infrastructure in place to enable safe and trusted operations. Immersive room design allowed operators to see live video streamed in and make decisions based on knowledge, which illustrates how sophisticated robotics can span site control in physical and virtual.
The development of Sellafield from a reprocessing facility for nuclear waste to a decommissioning and storage plant for spent nuclear fuel has been one of advancement. The addition of Spot into its operations is another example of how the site is constantly developing the science of engineering and technology. As the NDA group keeps on looking for the newest solutions, the experience that they have accumulated through this trial will inevitably shape the future of nuclear safety and efficiency.
The journey to large scale application of remote operated robots in nuclear activity remains lengthy. There are some challenges, prominently cost, integration, and operator training. However, following the success with Spot, the hope is there to see human risk minimized to zero in risky locations and efficiency of decommissioning maximized in the future. As Brook so aptly put it, “Sellafield Ltd has pioneered the adoption of technology across its operations, and this latest milestone is another step forward for the role of robotics in decommissioning.”
In a sector where precision and protection are most critical, having the ability to remotely control a robot like Spot is not only technology at the leading edge but also an achievement. The Sellafield trial stands as a testament to the possibilities of innovation and collaboration towards a safer, cleaner nuclear future.
