Technology developed through RAICo  will revolutionise the way radioactive materials are handled

Technology with the potential to revolutionise the way radioactive materials are handled in confined environments is being developed by RAICo in Cumbria. 

Lirob, a remotely operated through-wall robotic manipulator arm adapted from the nuclear medicines market, has been installed along with a test cell at RAICo1, RAICo’s main research and testing facility in Whitehaven, Cumbria.  

Manipulator arms have been a common feature of remote operations in decommissioning and optimising their performance is key. This increased flexibility is important for existing operations and new treatment facilities. 

It is currently undergoing trials ahead of being demonstrated to potential users including existing manipulator operators and programme leads at Sellafield as well as wider stakeholders across the NDA estate. 

Rob Sharratt, RAICo’s Principal Technologist for Size Reduction, said: “This technology has been developed and brought to RAICo1 to optimise the opportunities for Sellafield’s operations. 

“It will be beneficial in use cases where increased reliability, reach and range are required or where complex repetitive tasks need to be performed. 

“Having Lirob here means that we can showcase the technology to stakeholders from Sellafield, who can see first-hand how it can be used on-site.” 

Lirob is a next-generation manipulator, which is a robotic arm that can be installed through purpose-built holes in nuclear rooms in a hazardous environment that humans cannot access due to high levels of radiation. 

Rav Chunilal, Head of Robotics and AI at Sellafield, said: “The manual manipulator arms currently used at Sellafield do not have the advanced capabilities of Lirob. 

“Having this technology at RAICo1 will enable us to set out test scenarios as end users, giving us the opportunity to understand the full functionality of Lirob. 

“We can train Sellafield’s teams there on installation and use, so they’re prepared and ready for future use on-site, making the process more efficient, saving time and cost.” 

Lirob was developed after RAICo issued a tender to introduce this capability to the nuclear industry. Wälischmiller Engineering GmbH (HWM, part of Carr’s Group, UK), which had been developing Lirob for the medical market, successfully responded to the tender. 

RAICo collaborated with HWM to influence, adapt, and accelerate the technology’s development to meet nuclear industry needs for decommissioning and fusion engineering. 

Lirob’s primary use is likely to be in waste processing facilities for activities such as handling, size reducing and packaging of active materials. 

Rob said: “This approach will reduce risk, time, and cost for our stakeholders, so that in the future we are able to deploy a tried-and-tested product much faster than we otherwise could. 

“The Lirob robotic arm, with its enhanced reach, automation, accuracy, and reliability, will improve the efficiency and safety of nuclear decommissioning for future generations by removing people from hazardous environments.” 

Jeff Slater, RAICo’s Senior Remote Handling Operator, said: “The Lirob manipulator is a highly capable machine, enabling a vast array of manipulation tasks. Its intuitive control system and operational stability are excellent.” 

RAICo, a partnership between the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), NDA), SL, and the University of Manchester, aims to accelerate the deployment of robotics and AI in nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering. 

Through the use of robotics and AI, RAICo supports the removal of people from hazardous environments across the nuclear sector, delivering safer, faster, and more cost-effective solutions.