The future of nuclear decommissioning is getting a robotic upgrade. Hyundai Motor Group’s Boston Dynamics’ four-legged robot, Spot, is now actively employed at the Sellafield nuclear site in the United Kingdom, taking on tasks previously considered too dangerous for human workers. The deployment, announced on , marks a significant step forward in the use of advanced robotics within the highly sensitive nuclear industry.
Sellafield Ltd., a state-owned company operating under the U.K.’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), began trialing Spot in , progressively validating its capabilities in complex environments throughout and . The robot is now being utilized for remote surveys, data collection, and inspection duties in areas restricted due to radiation hazards and intricate internal layouts. These areas, historically inaccessible or requiring extensive protective measures, are now being navigated and assessed with greater efficiency and, crucially, reduced risk to personnel.
Spot’s versatility is key to its success at Sellafield. Equipped with sensors specifically tailored for nuclear environments, the robot can navigate rough terrain, climb staircases, and capture detailed 360-degree video and 3D scans. This data provides operators with a comprehensive understanding of site conditions, monitored remotely through live video feeds. Beyond visual inspection, Spot is also performing “radiation characterization,” measuring gamma and alpha radiation levels to determine contamination. Recent trials have even included swab sampling – a task previously performed directly by workers – significantly minimizing personnel exposure to hazardous materials.
The benefits extend beyond safety. Sellafield reports that the use of Spot has led to a reduction in the volume of protective equipment required, consequently decreasing waste. The robot’s ability to operate for extended periods, surpassing the endurance of human teams, is accelerating the overall decommissioning process. The real-time data access provided by Spot is improving decision-making and ensuring consistency in inspections.
“Spot is able to go into areas that are difficult for humans to access, and we can control that process remotely with precision,” a Sellafield representative told the BBC, highlighting the technology’s potential to create a safer and more efficient decommissioning operation and accelerate the adoption of advanced robotic technologies within the nuclear sector.
This isn’t Spot’s first foray into challenging industrial environments. Hyundai Motor Group, through Boston Dynamics, has already deployed the robot to facilities operated by POSCO, Australian energy company Woodside Energy, and Cargill, demonstrating its adaptability across diverse sectors including energy, steel, and food processing. In each application, Spot is being customized and adapted to perform tasks that are either too dangerous or too repetitive for human workers, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency.
The deployment at Sellafield builds on a broader trend of embracing robotics in hazardous industries. The success of the program has led Sellafield to plan further integration of Spot, including the addition of new sensor packs to expand its capabilities. Future applications include creating detailed radiation maps and conducting comprehensive environmental assessments. In , Sellafield achieved a milestone by successfully demonstrating Spot’s remote operation outside of a power plant permit area – a first for the UK nuclear industry – further validating the potential for fully remote operations, separating workers from hazardous environments.
The advancements showcased by Spot were also on display at CES , where Hyundai Motor Group presented Boston Dynamics’ humanoid robot, Atlas, alongside Spot, Stretch, and other in-house robotics projects. The company’s vision, as presented at the event, centers on a future where robots handle dangerous tasks, freeing up humans to focus on oversight and creative problem-solving.
The use of Spot at Sellafield represents more than just a technological advancement. it signifies a fundamental shift in how the nuclear decommissioning process is approached. By leveraging the capabilities of robotics, Sellafield is not only enhancing safety and efficiency but also paving the way for a more sustainable and responsible approach to managing the legacy of nuclear energy.
