Boston Dynamics’ quadruped robot, Spot, is making waves at a nuclear decommissioning site in the UK. The robot is being deployed in areas where human access is restricted due to radiation exposure, significantly enhancing both safety and operational efficiency.
According to a statement released by Hyundai Motor Company on Wednesday, Sellafield, the UK’s public corporation responsible for nuclear facility decommissioning and radioactive waste management, has recently introduced Spot for use at its nuclear decommissioning sites. The BBC also covered Sellafield’s trials of Spot-based sample collection technology.
This development is noteworthy because it demonstrates how robots can perform tasks effectively in high-risk environments, thereby improving safety standards and sustainability in industrial settings.
Sellafield faces unique challenges due to radiation risks and the intricate internal structures of its facilities. While precise inspections through accurate data collection are crucial, ensuring worker safety has remained a persistent challenge.
To address this issue, Sellafield implemented an innovative robot-based inspection system. They deployed Spot to gather data and conduct remote inspections in hazardous areas that are not accessible to humans.
According to Sellafield, Spot is equipped with an array of sensors and capabilities specifically tailored to the nuclear facility environment. The robot boasts exceptional mobility, allowing it to navigate complex structures, including rough terrain and staircases, with remarkable stability.
Furthermore, Spot accurately assesses the site structure through 360-degree video capture and 3D LiDAR scanning. This technology enables managers to monitor situations remotely via real-time video streaming, enhancing overall situational awareness.
Spot is currently conducting crucial radiation characterization tasks by measuring gamma and alpha radiation to detect radioactive materials. Recently, it successfully conducted sample-collection tests to check for radiation contamination in the facility. This work, which previously required human intervention, has significantly reduced the risk of radiation exposure for workers.
Notably, Spot can remain on-site for extended periods, far longer than humans, allowing for continuous and thorough inspections. Sellafield reports that since Spot’s introduction, the overall pace of decommissioning work has accelerated considerably. Moreover, the reduced reliance on personal protective equipment (PPE) has led to decreased waste generation, while real-time data acquisition has markedly improved decision-making speed and operational efficiency.
Beyond its work at Sellafield, Spot is also performing detection, inspection, and patrolling tasks at various industrial sites worldwide. These include facilities operated by POSCO, Australia’s largest natural gas producer, Woodside Energy, and global food giant Cargill.
