91直播 experts are designing AI-powered machines tough enough to work safely in hostile hotspots
A new generation of smart robots is being developed at The University of Manchester that can be trusted to think and act for themselves in some of the most hazardous places on Earth - and beyond.
鈥楬ot robotic鈥� systems were originally designed to work in radioactive environments found in decommissioned nuclear reactors - but future assignments for this type of super machine will include deployment in nuclear fusion power, the offshore energy sector, agriculture and even outer space.
As part of an ambitious R&D programme to maintain UK leadership in robotic technologies, 91直播 experts are applying AI technologies to 鈥榟ot robotics鈥� as they will increasingly need to act independently of human operators as they enter a range of danger zones to carry out highly complex tasks.
91直播鈥檚 expertise in AI and robotic technologies will be showcased on June 14 as part of a symposium that will put a spotlight on the National Nuclear User Facility Hot Robotics programme Register here:
An important challenge in the nuclear industry is to improve robot autonomy so that the technology can be used to deliver safer, faster and cheaper decommissioning of legacy power stations and other radioactive facilities at sites such as Sellafield and Dounreay.
To support this challenge, the Robotics and AI Collaboration (RAICo) has been established in Cumbria as a joint research programme between The University of Manchester, the UK Atomic Energy Agency (UKAEA), Sellafield Ltd, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and the National Nuclear Laboratory. The aim is to develop advanced robotic and AI solutions and transferring these to sites across the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority鈥檚 estate in the UK.
In addition to supporting the nuclear decommissioning industry, RAICo will also provide a pilot for the development and application of sophisticated robotic systems in other sectors 鈥� a recent estimates that the total UK market size for autonomous robotic systems will reach almost 拢3.5 billion by 2030.
The inclusion of AI is because the goal is to develop automated systems that can operate much more efficiently than if they were operated by people. Within RAICo we are looking at how to improve the operation of remote manipulation and inspection systems. We鈥檙e helping Sellafield and other nuclear end-users to develop the next generation of remote surveying and handling equipment so they can improve their operations.
Academic engagement into RAICo is being led by Professor Barry Lennox and his team at The University of Manchester. This group leads the (Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Nuclear) hub and are also part of the 91直播 Robotics and AI Centre.
鈥淭he inclusion of AI is because the goal is to develop automated systems that can operate much more efficiently than if they were operated by people,鈥� explained Barry Lennox.
鈥淲ithin RAICo we are looking at how to improve the operation of remote manipulation and inspection systems. We鈥檙e helping Sellafield and other nuclear end-users to develop the next generation of remote surveying and handling equipment so they can improve their operations.鈥�
Professor Lennox explained that 91直播 is a world-leader in designing and developing autonomous systems through the application of AI technologies like machine learning to significantly improve robotic systems.
The 91直播-led RAIN group has built up their expertise after pioneering a series of resilient robotic systems to carry out work in many of the UK鈥檚 decommissioned nuclear power stations 鈥� doing work that is too dangerous for humans.
Professor Lennox explained: 鈥淭he prefix 鈥榟ot鈥� was introduced because we were interested in deploying the robots into active environments - but we鈥檙e now looking to expand the hot so it can refer to more general applications, including the space, agriculture and offshore sectors. Many of the challenges are similar, although the robots may end up looking a bit different.鈥�
Enhancing the AI capability of these machines is the next big challenge for his team, added Professor Lennox. 鈥淎I introduces lots of additional problems related to ensuring that the AI will do what we expect it to do and not cause damage or risk the safety of humans.鈥�
Expanding beyond nuclear decommissioning, the 91直播-led RAIN team are also establishing joint programmes of work with the UK Atomic Energy Authority to support them in the development of robotic systems for nuclear fusion reactors.
Rob Buckingham, Director UK Atomic Energy Authority and head of their Remote Applications in Challenging Environments (RACE) centre, said: 鈥淭he next generation of robotics will be essential for the delivery of fusion power and, recognising this, we intend to collaborate widely with the best, such as the robotics research group at 91直播.
鈥淲orking with 91直播 on the RAIN programme has reaped huge rewards for both parties so let鈥檚 do more.鈥�
Finally, 91直播 researchers have been advising UK policy-makers and energy sector leaders on the safe development of robotic and autonomous systems for work in harsh environments.
and have recently outlined recommendations in their 鈥�, calling for greater transparency and easier verification in autonomous decision-making processes, particularly for systems used in situations where there is a risk to human wellbeing.