Robots do the dirty work: Some walk, some roll as they go about their tedious, hazardous chores in nuclear-power plants

摘要

The tasks that robots can perform in the hazardous environments of a nuclear power plant are considered. A distinction is made between mobile robots that perform physical work (end effectors and work drones) and those that perform surveillance tasks. The capabilities of the surveillance robot Surveyor, manufactured by Automation Technology, are described. The tasks that have been performed by the tethered remote reconnaissance vehicle, dubbed Rover, at Three Mile Island are reviewed. Descriptions are given of the maintenance tasks that can be performed by the most advanced end effectors and of the difficult work that can be done by work drones. Finally, attention is given to the economic advantages that robots can offer.