A new era in maintenance technology has arrived with the deployment of an autonomous robot in a fusion energy facility.
The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the Oxford Robotics Institute (ORI) successfully tested a robot over 35 days at the Joint European Torus (JET) fusion facility.
This trial represents the first time an autonomous robot has been used for inspections in a fusion research environment, aiming to enhance safety and efficiency during maintenance tasks.
JET, previously one of the largest fusion research facilities, is currently non-operational, providing an ideal setting for this innovation.
The project sought to demonstrate the reliability of robotic technology for safe inspections, especially in areas where human access may be limited due to radiation and extreme conditions.
Dr Robert Skilton, Head of Research, at UKAEA’s Remote Applications in Challenging Environments division said: “This deployment demonstrates that autonomous robots can enhance safety and cut costs.
“These ‘next generation’ solutions are becoming ready to be used in other industrial facilities such as nuclear decommissioning, environmental clean-up, and disaster relief.”
