Photos: Quadruped robot with swabbing tool mimics human dexterity for nuclear safety

Sellafield Ltd and the Robotics & AI Collaboration (RAICo) have successfully conducted the first field trial of a novel contamination swabbing tool mounted on a Spot quadruped robot. This trial, performed in a radioactive environment, demonstrated that remote robotic systems can accurately replicate human dexterity for essential safety tasks, such as surface swabbing to monitor radiation levels. The robot’s agility and stability enable it to access hazardous areas, while a haptic feedback system and custom software allow precise, human-like manipulation of the swabbing tool, reducing task time and enhancing confidence in sample collection. The swabbing tool was developed through a partnership involving the UK Atomic Energy Authority, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, the University of Manchester, and AWE Nuclear Security Technologies, aiming to advance robotics and AI for nuclear decommissioning. Equipped with radiation-resistant sensors, 3D LiDAR, and imaging capabilities, the Spot robot can navigate complex environments including stairs and rough terrain. During the trial, it successfully collected