We are excited to share groundbreaking news from the nuclear sector. Atkins, in collaboration with COVVI Robotics, is set to revolutionise the industry with their innovative robotic solution. Their plan involves developing a bionic hand that offers "near-human" dexterity, paving the way for remote handling of nuclear materials. This development eliminates the need for operators to place their hands in gloveboxes during these critical operations.
By combining SNC-Lavalin group member Atkins' expertise in deploying collaborative robots in the nuclear sector with COVVI's remote-controlled bionic hand, the two companies aim to create a robotic arm that closely replicates human dexterity. This advancement will enable dangerous manipulations to be carried out remotely, significantly reducing the presence of humans in hazardous areas. Furthermore, it allows glovebox operations to continue for longer durations, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing risks. Operators will now have more time to focus on other crucial activities, improving overall productivity.
Originally designed for individuals with an upper limb difference, COVVI's bionic hand possesses small dimensions, lightweight construction, and remarkable dexterity. When paired with a remote-control system, it becomes an ideal solution for use in confined environments like nuclear facilities.
Over the past six months, Atkins and COVVI have been collaborating on integrating the robotic hand with collaborative robots such as Kinova Robotics' Gen3 arm. These robots are already being utilised by Atkins for glovebox operations. Their successful partnership has paved the way for the development and marketing of a new variant of COVVI's bionic hand, tailored specifically to meet the unique needs of the nuclear sector. In addition to this remarkable innovation, Atkins is also working on a digital twin to rehearse and pre-plan glovebox activities, further enhancing operational efficiency.
"The potential of robotics in the nuclear sector is enormous," says Sam Stephens, SNC-Lavalin's Head of Digital, Nuclear. He predicts that the industry will increasingly adopt robotics over the next decade to enhance safety, improve efficiency, and address skills shortages. Collaboration between companies like Atkins and COVVI is crucial to accelerate innovation and bring forth cost-effective solutions to the industry's greatest challenges. Sam Stephens believes that this new robotic hand has the potential to reduce risk and enhance productivity for nuclear operators worldwide.
Simon Pollard, CEO of COVVI Group, emphasizes that the robotics market is rapidly evolving, becoming more affordable, scalable, and customisable.
The development of this robotic hand marks a significant milestone in the nuclear sector. Its potential to transform the way nuclear materials are handled, while reducing risks and increasing productivity, is truly remarkable.
The team at Millbank is excited to witness the impact of this technology in the coming years as the industry embraces the power of robotics. Stay tuned for further updates on this groundbreaking innovation.
Reference: www.world-nuclear-news.org “Robotic hand offers innovative nuclear solution” Researched and written by World Nuclear News
https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/Robotic-hand-offers-innovative-nuclear-solution
