RAICo-developed training tool is accelerating quadruped deployments in nuclear decommissioning

RAICo’s Quadruped Familiarisation Tool (QFT) is reducing robot training risks and costs across three of its members’ nuclear decommissioning sites.

The QFT is a digital training platform which helps operators build confidence with quadruped robots in simulated environments, before working with the real thing. It is designed to expand the pool of skilled operators and accelerate the deployment of these flexible robots into decommissioning facilities.’

The growing demand for quadrupeds in decommissioning

Quadrupeds such as Spot – which are controlled remotely via a handset and video feed – are valuable in hazardous areas on nuclear decommissioning sites. The four-legged robots have the manoeuvrability to navigate stairs and rubble, whilst their body and manipulator arms can be mounted with grippers and sensors for carrying out inspections, moving things around, operating switches and performing tasks that may pose risks to humans.

Rav Chunilal, Head of Robotics and AI at Sellafield Ltd, has noted that “Quadrupeds are making a real difference at Sellafield – and Spot is one of the most versatile and robust bits of kit we have”. And Melanie Brownridge, Chief R&D Officer at the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), says “having the right skills in place is also key to accelerate the deployment of these transformational technologies.”

Supporting operators, protecting robots

Quadruped robots remove many of the challenges of sending humans into hazardous environments, but they still take time for operators to get to grips with.

End users at Sellafield report that it can take a new operator three days of training to get completely familiar with the controller handset and the full range of movements of the robot and its manipulator arms, and up to two weeks to become skilled enough to confidently use the robot for a specific task. Most operators train using the robots themselves, and since most sites have a limited number of robots, training operators at scale is slow.

Furthermore, every hour the robot is used for training means the quadruped can’t be used for valuable tasks. It also creates risks – an inexperienced user may accidentally damage the expensive robot or its environment.

To reduce the cost and risk associated with training robot operators using real robots, RAICo developed the Quadruped Familiarisation Tool. This allows multiple operators to be trained in parallel using simulations, not real robots.

Quadrupeds have found many uses on decommissioning sites. Image credit: Sellafield Ltd.

Simulation-led training

Using an off-the-shelf controller similar to the quadrupeds’ own control device, the system replicates robot behaviour in photorealistic simulation environments.

The simulation environment reflects the challenges of navigating nuclear decommissioning environments. It is also possible to build precise digital replicas of specific facilities, letting operators train in exact replicas of their working environments.

Interactive tutorials – similar to those in video games – guide operators through everything from basic motions like standing and walking to advanced tasks such as using manipulator arms, operating cameras, climbing stairs, and even recovering from a fall.

Finally, progress tracking and performance modules enable managers to monitor learning and identify where extra support is needed, or how training can be improved in future.

Robot operators, fully trained on day one

Three units have already been deployed at Sellafield Ltd and two at Dounreay.

Calvin Smye, an engineer in the ROV Equipment Programme at Sellafield Ltd, has noted that the QFT tool has “proven highly beneficial in maintaining maximum competencies among Remotely Operated Vehicle operators” helping them to “practice and refine their skills without risking equipment or human safety, and remain prepared for high-pressure situations, ultimately boosting efficiency and confidence in real-life operations.”

Recently, two modules were provided to AWE, RAICo’s newest member, which will integrate the QFT into its own robotics training programme, supporting its journey towards greater use of advanced robotics for decommissioning – a journey it is accelerating through its membership of RAICo.

Varun Kumar, Team Lead and Senior Robotics Engineer at RAICo, says: “Robotics are only as effective as the people operating them. Tools like the QFT give new operators the chance to build confidence and capability in a safe environment before they touch a real machine. That protects valuable assets and accelerates the safe deployment of robotics across the sector.”