Robotic Systems for Remote Characterisation and Decommissioning

This paper provides an updated summary of the research being conducted at the University of Manchester, UK, in the area of remote characterisation through the use of robotic systems, in support of the decommissioning plan for the Sellafield nuclear site in Cumbria, UK. The research is being conducted in collaboration with a number of companies including Sellafield Ltd, the National Nuclear Laboratory and Forth Engineering Ltd. The progress of a number of novel mobile robotic platforms being developed at the University of Manchester is presented including the AVEXIS underwater vehicles, ground and sub-surface vehicles and alpha glove box decontamination robots. Also presented is the ongoing work on the remote sensing technologies and techniques which will be deployed on the robotic platforms.