The robot learns to defuse nuclear reactors

Nuclear power plants become obsolete and need to be decommissioned after a certain period of time. As this is a long and hazardous task, it is best solved it remotely, using special robots.

Globally, there are currently about 138 nuclear power units at the stage of dismantling. Since this is a dangerous job, it is performed with the help of robots operating at least 100 meters away from the facilities.

The method is inconvenient mainly because it involves using a joystick and the small field of vision the cameras mounted on the robot provide.

Researchers at Lancaster University solved both of these problems, creating a device that performs almost all the actions on its own while a human only needs to monitor the process.

The machine is equipped with hydraulic arms, mechanical manipulators, a camera providing visual information and a motion sensor. This allows the robot to move and cut pipes on its own while the operator only needs to set tasks for the device. It has already gone through lab tests.