Robotics in the Nuclear Industry

Explore the future of robotics in the nuclear industry

Get a clearer insight into the future of the nuclear industry at NI's inaugural Robotics seminar. You'll find out more about the increasing use of robotics technology at nuclear facilities through a series of fascinating presentations and discussions.

In-depth industry perspective through three intensive sessions

 - Introduction and overview of robotics technology in the UK
 - Insights into the current application of technologies by industry experts across operations, decommissioning, and clean-up of legacy waste
 - Examine the future of cutting edge technology and current R&D

Insight from top industry leaders

Bringing together experts and key stakeholders from government agencies, industry, and academia, the seminar will discuss the impact robotics technology will have in the industry - both the possibilities it presents and the challenges.

Agenda for the day:

8:00 - 9:30
Tea/coffee and registration

9:30 - 10:00 Welcome and introduction
Paul Mort - Chair of seminar

10:00 - 11:15
Session 1: Introduction and overview of robotics technology in the UK 
Paul Mort, Sellafield Ltd - Session chair

• Autonomy is a Dangerous Thing? – Michael Fisher, University of Liverpool
• Robotics and Autonomy in Nuclear Decommissioning Facilities  - Affan Shaukat/Dr Yang Gao, Surrey Space Centre
• Opportunities, Advances and Challenges in Human Machine Interfacing for robots operating in the nuclear environment - Tony Pipe, University of Bristol
• Q & A

11:15 - 11:45
Tea/coffee break

12:00 - 1:10
Session 2: Insights into the current application of technologies by industry experts across operations, decommissioning, and clean-up of legacy waste 
Lorraine McDermott, National Nuclear Laboratory - Session Chair

• Remote handling and robotics solutions for challenging environments – Simon Delavalle, Oxford Technologies
• RAS in Challenging Environments  - Rob Buckingham, UK Atomic Energy Authority
• Insights into the early application of small unmanned aerial vehicle technologies at Sellafield -James Moore, Sellafield Ltd
• ROV Features and Uses -  Michael Wilkinson & Phil Toomey, Sellafield Ltd
  (session to continue after lunch break)

1:10 - 2:10
Lunch break

2:20 - 3:30
Session 2 (continued)

• Micro/small disposable robotics - Barry Lennox , University of Manchester
• Accessing difficult places : Perception and planning for legged robotic systems - Maurice Fallon, University of Edinburgh
• Development and deployment of the innovative LaserSnake system - Craig Wilson, OC Robotics
  Q & A

3:30 - 5:00
Session 3: Examine the future of cutting edge technology and current R&D for extreme environments showing a link into other sectors
Jeremy Bateman-Williams, National Nuclear Laboratory - Session chair

• Network rail case study - Kevin Blacktop, Network Rail
• The development of a general platform for drilling automation and its application to oilfield decommissioning - Walt Aldred,  Schlumberger
• Embodied Intelligence and Soft Robotics: From Food and Aerospace to Nuclear Sector – Samia Nefti-Meziani, University of Salford
• Integrated innovation for nuclear decommissioning - future competition opportunity - Chris Hope, Sellafield Ltd
  Q & A

05:00-05:10
Future Robotic Challenges for Nuclear Decommissioning – Paul Mort, Sellafield Ltd.

Conference close

Earlybird registration is now closed.

Book your place at the seminar today - Click here!