Robot dog helps clearing radioactive waste from Sellafield nuclear site

A robotic dog has been used to help clean up the Sellafield nuclear site. According to Sellafield Ltd, operators tested “safely and securely” the robot in a trial and believe there is “huge potential” for using it in remote inspections, data gathering, and clean-up work. The company collaborated with the engineering group AtkinsRéalis to deploy the quadrupedal robot for various tasks. The robot was remotely monitored by workers in Whitehaven via a virtual access network and live-streamed footage. It was the first time a virtual site access had been tried on a nuclear licensed site. Richard Brooks of AtkinsRéalis said the trial was “a step forward” in using robotics for nuclear decommissioning, strengthening the safety and efficacy of the process.
Sellafield is the UK’s most complex and challenging nuclear site with hazardous materials stored there from every part of the country. Last month site managers warned that its planned decommissioning may have to be slowed down or even paused due to lack of funding. For Deon Bulman, the plant’s equipment programme lead, advanced robotics can be integrated into the process, enhancing safety, efficiency, and decision-making.