Papers
1
Total Citations
11
H-Index
1
About
N. Dufour is a leading figure in fusion energy research, specializing in the development and deployment of robotic systems for remote handling in tokamak environments. Their most notable contribution is the pioneering work on the Articulated Inspection Arm (AIA) robot, a snake-like manipulator designed for regular in-vessel inspections of fusion reactors. Dufour’s 2018 paper on WEST regular in-vessel inspections with the AIA robot (11 citations) details the successful integration of this robotic system into the WEST tokamak, demonstrating its ability to operate under extreme conditions—high vacuum, high temperature, and intense magnetic fields—without compromising plasma performance. This work represents a critical step toward the maintenance and safety of next-generation fusion devices like ITER, where human access is impossible. Dufour’s research bridges robotics, plasma physics, and nuclear engineering, offering practical solutions for reactor longevity. Their achievements highlight a career dedicated to enabling sustainable fusion energy through innovative remote handling technologies.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1WEST regular in-vessel Inspections with the Articulated Inspection Arm robot11 citations · 2018