Russian spider robot triples speed of nuclear reactor inspections

Russia’s Atommash plant, operated by Rosatom, has developed a spider-like robot designed to significantly accelerate and improve the inspection of nuclear reactor welds. Utilizing ultrasonic testing, the robot automates the traditionally manual and labor-intensive process of scanning welds for internal defects. Equipped with an advanced ultrasonic transducer and control system, the robot can navigate complex, angled, and confined surfaces—areas often difficult or hazardous for human inspectors—tripling inspection speeds while enhancing accuracy and reducing radiation exposure risks. This spider robot is part of Atommash’s broader initiative to digitalize nuclear manufacturing, involving around 30 robotic automation projects aimed at saving hundreds of thousands of person-hours annually across transportation, welding, cleaning, and inspection tasks. The move reflects a global trend in the nuclear industry toward robotics for construction, maintenance, and decommissioning, especially in high-radiation or structurally complex environments. Similar robotic systems have been deployed worldwide, such as at Fukushima and Sellafield, underscoring