Robot snake lasers offer safe decommissioning solution

LaserSnake2 is expected to deliver an exportable solution that will position Britain at the forefront of decommissioning technologies. Beyond this role, the technology could be applied in markets including oil and gas, construction and aerospace.

Running from 2013 to 2016, the project’s primary objectives are to develop long reach snake-arm robots for hazardous and confined spaces (in air and under water); combine snake-arms and mobile robots to create a mobile platform capable of exploring complex spaces; and develop laser cutting optics for safe, remote cutting in air and in water.

Underpinning these objectives is the requirement for the technology to satisfy regulatory and certification requirements associated with teleoperated delivery of laser cutting solutions for the nuclear sector.

Rob Buckingham, managing director of OC Robotics said, ‘Lots of cutting operations have been done, for example with sheers, diamond wire, and mechanical cutters. They all have challenges, they all have risks associated with them. Some require precision, some are very big and bulky so lasers are an interesting approach but they [too] come with challenges.