Snake-arm robot set to go through its paces at Sellafield
OC Robotics has signed a contract with Sellafield to demonstrate the capabilities of its snake-arm robot.
The demonstration for Sellafield will include two snake arms, deployed using OC Robotics’ Rail and Rotate platform. The snake arms will reportedly transport end effectors into a purpose-built cell mock-up to demonstrate its decommissioning and inspection capabilities.
Both snake arms will be variants of the OC Robotics Explorer Range. Each arm will have 22° of freedom, will measure 2.5m long and 100mm in diameter, and will be remotely operated by joystick.
The first snake arm will deploy an OC Robotics 3° of freedom wrist and gripper. According to the company, the wrist and gripper will contain a navigation camera and variable lighting, as well as acting as a quick change tool interface with capability to carry electric and pneumatic tools, with services fed through the centre of the snake arm. A custom inspection camera, a swabbing tool, a representative radiological probe and sampling scoops will all be demonstrated.
OC Robotics said the second snake arm will have a high-pressure water-jetting tool integrated into it. The tool is being supplied by Sellafield and is of a type currently used for decontamination tasks on its site.
Register now to continue reading
Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage, as well as premium content including opinion, in-depth features and special reports.
Benefits of registering
-
In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends
-
Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year
-
Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox
Radio wave weapon knocks out drone swarms
Probably. A radio-controlled drone cannot be completely shielded to RF, else you´d lose the ability to control it. The fibre optical cable removes...