At the Dounreay nuclear facility in Scotland, a robotic dog has once again proven its value in a challenging task that was previously out of reach for human workers. Spot, a robot designed and built by Boston Dynamics, has been instrumental in assisting the site’s team in hazardous areas, where human workers would be exposed to risks and dangers.
The Benefits of Robotics in Decommissioning
- Automation and efficiency: Spot’s ability to work in hazardous areas, avoid obstacles, and move over rough ground allows it to perform tasks that would be too dangerous for humans.
- Increased safety: By avoiding the risks associated with human interaction, Spot reduces the risk of accidents and injuries to personnel.
- Cost-effectiveness: Robotics can be more cost-effective than traditional methods, especially in situations where human safety is a concern.
Spot’s latest important job was to assist staff in the Fuel Cycle Area by reactivating a crucial building crane in a reprocessing plant. The crane had been deactivated at the switchboard in 2023, and safety restrictions prohibited human interaction with the switchboard, further delaying its reactivation.
A Team Effort
The team at Dounreay, in collaboration with the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration (RAICo), a collaboration between the UK Atomic Energy Authority, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Sellafield, and the University of Manchester, decided to use Spot for the task. RAICo specializes in solving shared challenges in nuclear decommissioning and fusion energy by accelerating the use of robotics and AI.
“Thanks to outstanding teamwork between the decommissioning team, RAICo, our colleagues in works control and the electrical team, we have achieved an excellent outcome. We can now proceed with modernising the crane to bring it back into full service.” – Suzy Nellies, Senior Facility Manager at Dounreay
The team worked out the best approach, and after a week of trials on a non-live switch mock-up in a nearby substation storeroom, they confirmed that Spot could push the switch into the “on” position. In an unprecedented manoeuvre, Spot used a gripped pole to flip the switch, successfully restoring power to the crane. A loud “clunk” marked the success of the operation.
Accelerating Deployment of Robotic Technology
The success of this project highlights the power of collaboration through RAICo, which is accelerating the deployment of robotic technology to unlock real-world challenges in an efficient and safe way. According to Kate Canning, the NDA’s head of research and development, “This is a fantastic example of collaboration leading to the acceleration of deployment of robotic technology to unlock a real-world challenge in an efficient and safe way.”
RAICo has worked with Dounreay before on various projects, and Spot is created by robotics design company Boston Dynamics. Dounreay’s robotic dog has visited schools and nurseries across the far north, promoting STEM education and awareness about robotics and nuclear decommissioning.
| Example of Robotics in Hazardous Environments | Spot’s ability to work in hazardous areas, such as the Fuel Cycle Area, without risking human safety. |
| Benefits of Robotics in Decommissioning | Automation and efficiency, increased safety, and cost-effectiveness. |
In conclusion, the use of Spot in hazardous environments has demonstrated the power of robotics in decommissioning, highlighting the benefits of automation, efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
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