RAICo to showcase German-manufactured robotic arm to UK nuclear industry
A robotic arm so accurate it can be remotely operated by camera to perform intricate tasks is being developed in Germany ahead of being brought to the UK.
RAICo plans to showcase the technology at its RAICo1 research and development facility, at Whitehaven, Cumbria in later this year.
A RAICo delegation, including team members from the UKAEA, Sellafield Ltd and Nuclear Restoration Services, recently visited Wälischmiller Engineering GmbH (HWM) in Markdorf, Germany to gain hands-on experience of the new Lirob manipulator developed, designed and manufactured by HWM.
The RAICo team gained a detailed understanding of the Lirob manipulator’s capabilities and functions to help them identify potential applications within their own facilities.
After being trained in the use of the Lirob, attendees explored specific tasks of interest, such as bolting and unbolting nuclear drums and delicate pick-and-place operations.
Rob Sharratt, RAICo Principle Technologist for Size Reduction, who organised the visit to HWM said: “We are so pleased to work with Walischmiller Engineering GmbH to bring this technology to the UK nuclear industry because the Lirob robotic arm with its increased reach, automation, accuracy and reliability will improve the efficiency and safety of nuclear decommissioning for the next generation to come by removing people from harm.
“There is no better way to understand the capability of a robot than operating it yourself and we were pleased to be able to get the users hands on operation of the Lirob manipulator. The understanding gained will be beneficial for the users in identifying the right applications and uses for Lirob.”
The Lirob manipulator is set to undergo a factory acceptance test in Germany in the autumn before being transported to the UK for a site acceptance test at RAICo1.
Jeff Slater, RAICo Senior Remote Handling Operator, said: “The Lirob manipulator is a highly capable machine which allows a vast array of manipulation tasks and activities to be undertaken. The intuitive control system and stability of the operation is one of the best I have used. It was a pleasure to operate, and I look forward to putting the production unit through its paces at RAICo1 later this year.”