In a pioneering collaboration at a UK nuclear decommissioning site, two robotic dogs have ventured into an evaporator cell to perform complex tasks, marking the most advanced deployment of Boston Dynamics' Spot robots in a nuclear facility to date. React Engineering, part of the Nuclear Decommissioning Ltd consortium, is engaged in the decommissioning of parts of the Dounreay site in Scotland. This specific evaporator cell had not been accessed by humans for over 30 years, and gathering critical information about its conditions was essential for developing an effective decommissioning strategy.

Working alongside Createc and Boston Dynamics' Spot robots, the team devised a plan to support decommissioning planning for the facility. The two Spot robots were equipped with various tools to capture the cell's dimensions, take radioactivity swabs, and establish communication channels to send back images and videos to the team.

The information gathered during the survey is vital for devising the decommissioning plan, as uncertainty can result in significant costs. The robots assisted in challenging previous assumptions and providing greater certainty for future planning. This allows the team to design a decommissioning plan with a deep understanding of safety hazards, cost-saving opportunities, and more informed decision-making.

Chris Weir, Principal Consultant at React-NDL, highlighted the significance of this robotic survey in keeping humans away from radiation hazards and gathering crucial insights for decommissioning planning. The survey involved the use of radiation sensors, a LiDAR scanner, and advanced radiation detectors to map the cell's geometry, measure radiation levels, and collect images and videos for analysis.

The successful deployment of these robots and sensing systems represents a milestone in advancing nuclear decommissioning efforts in the UK, making the process safer, more efficient, and cost-effective. The data collected during this survey will be combined with future decontamination trials to further reduce uncertainties and facilitate detailed decommissioning planning.