RoboDecom – New solutions for decommissioning in Norway and abroad based on robotics technology

In the nuclear industry, current applications of robots are mainly restricted to situations where manual labour is not possible, for instance due to high radiation conditions. In general, specialised, low flexibility and costly solutions are applied for such tasks. Due to the emergence of more multi-purpose cost efficient robots, as well as advancement of edge-computing and open integration software (such as ROS) robotics is now generating an even stronger disruption of both jobs that were already performed remotely, and Dangerous, Dirty, Dull and Dear (aka the 4 Ds) tasks that are currently performed manually. Technologies required for replacing humans in harmful and/or highly repetitive tedious jobs are available today. Integration of these technologies in modular systems and validation of the feasibility (safety and efficiency) in real life conditions will enable new working methods based on dexterous (including soft), affordable, multipurpose, modular robots seamlessly integrated with humans using automation and natural XR (eXtedned Reality) based control. RoboDecom is piloting a ground robot ecosystem for assisting and/or replacing humans in nuclear and other potentially hazardous environments. RoboDecom has demonstrated a modular system composed of wireless hazard intelligent unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) including: 1. a large threaded system (world’s first robotic ceiling drilling system by nLink), 2. quadruped robot (SPOT by Boston Dynamics, now part of Hyundai) and 3. small four-wheel system (in this case Jackal by Clearpath Robotics). The RoboDecom project has integrated these cutting-edge robotic platforms with sensors enabling 3D reconstruction of, and navigation within, the environment (Sintef), 3D radiation sensing (Createc), as well as 3D digital simulation-based technologies supporting hazard aware mission planning and control (IFE). A robotic arm (Butler Solutions) has been integrated with the equipment to enable delicate operations and fine-positioning of instruments. Additional technologies and knowhow have been provided by Tecnubel and Magics. A large pilot demonstration of the application of the RoboDecom ground robot ecosystem for supporting nuclear decommissioning work. In these demonstrations, the nLink platform has provided functionalities for deploying sensors and tools, including capabilities for positioning payloads high above the floor level, while quadrupeds and four-wheel units (in this case SPOT and Jackal) has provided remote scanning and survey capabilities in areas that are difficult to access by tracked vehicles, and also served as mobile hubs for enabling a mesh wireless communication network to mobile robots.

Document recording key user, safety, security and market requirements related to application of robotics for nuclear decommissioning. Same document recording outlook on user, safety, security and market requirements specifically Ground UV based prototypes for nuclear decommissioning support Digital demonstration material and video recordings from the field tests Final project report detailing the experiences and applicability of the robot systems and digital support tools in a nuclear decommissioning setting Planned new collaborative project(s) based on the outcomes of the RoboDecom project. Framework agreement under development with Createc for commercial exploitation of the results from RoboDecom

Robotics and automation technologies are foreseen to very significantly reduce cost and improve efficiency of nuclear decommissioning projects by replacing or assisting tedious or hazardous manual work. At the moment, application of robotics technology is mainly restricted to situations where manual labour is not possible, for instance, manipulation of highly active components (e.g. reactor core) in normal decommissioning projects, or dismantling of accident sites like those in Fukushima and Chernobyl. In general, specialised, low flexibility and costly, solutions are applied for such tasks. As opposed to cruelty applied methods usually involving complete isolation of the robotic equipment from people remote controlling the process, the technology for new cost-efficient and flexible solutions allowing autonomous procedures and human-robot collaborative work is ready. Such solutions are being increasingly applied in other areas and are foreseen to bring high benefits within nuclear decommissioning. This project will focus on demonstration of the applicability of new cost-effective more general purpose modular robotic solutions for nuclear decommissioning, through developing a prototype (eco)system based on integration of existing components and solutions, validated for the special requirements in nuclear decommissioning, and tested in real/realistic environments. Results of this project are also foreseen to be relevant for a wider end-user community for supporting complex field work in industrial environments. In fact, due to the modular design, the system with the right sensors will be very useful in any activities where, for instance, mapping/monitoring environments with hazards to humans are required.