Sellafield Ltd, responsible for cleaning up one of the UK’s most complex nuclear sites, is using four-legged robots to speed up decommissioning work while improving safety and reducing risks for people. These quadrupedal machines are part of a broader innovation programme aimed at replacing risky manual inspections in hazardous areas with advanced remote technology.
Sellafield is a large nuclear site in west Cumbria where many areas are dangerous or hard to reach. Inspecting and monitoring these spaces is vital for safe decommissioning, but sending workers into them can expose them to harmful radiation and other hazards. Robot dogs can enter these environments without risk to humans, allowing data collection and visual inspection remotely.
The most well-known of these robots is Spot, developed by Boston Dynamics and customised for nuclear site use. Spot is equipped with robust sensors, radiation-resistant systems, 3D scanning tools, and imaging technology, enabling it to map spaces, collect detailed data and share live information with operators. It can navigate staircases, rough terrain and confined spaces, which makes it highly suited for complex nuclear buildings.
Using robot dogs brings several key benefits:
- Support for innovation goals, aligning with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s ambition to transform decommissioning through robotics and advanced technology
- Improved safety by reducing the need for people to enter hazardous or high-radiation areas
- Lower reliance on protective equipment, helping cut costs and preparation time
- Longer operating periods, as robots do not tire and can work consistently for extended sessions
- High-quality data collection, including visual, environmental and spatial data that supports better planning and decision-making
- Faster progress on clean-up projects, helping accelerate decommissioning timelines
Strong collaboration across industry, research partners and technology providers has been key to adapting and deploying the robots successfully on site.
