A robot dog is helping to clear up nuclear waste at a nuclear site. 

Sellafield in West Cumbria say its pioneering use of robots is not only making their work safer and faster, but is also delivering insights that are beneficial for other UK nuclear sites.

The dog, named Spot, is now frequently seen at the nuclear waste processing site, performing jobs that range from equipment checks to waste segregation.

Spot's abilities were demonstrated to industry colleagues during a live event at Calder Hall, one of the site's oldest buildings.

Deon Bulman, Remote Operated Vehicles (ROV) equipment programme lead, said: “The adoption of new technology is progressing at pace at Sellafield as people start to see the benefits. 

“The technology is here to support people, not replace them, and those that embrace it soon see the advantages.

“If we can do one task that removes the need for a person to enter a hazardous area, that’s a win.”

At the helm of this approach is the plant's remote operated vehicles (ROV) department, based at the Engineering Centre of Excellence in Cleator Moor.

Standard equipment and software is being customised to fit a range of site-specific needs.

The department recently became the first worldwide to use a LiDAR laser scanning instrument on a ROV in a high-radiation environment, allowing robots to generate a three-dimensional image and eliminating the need for human entry by navigating hazardous areas.

ROV equipment engineer Calvin Smye said: "Everything we are using is off the shelf but by adding different payloads, like a LiDAR sensor and a radiation monitor, we are adapting them to deliver for our business."

He explained how they've become industry leaders in applying this technology and have seen other nuclear sites embrace this after their success.

Another company, AtkinsRéalis, was able to use Spot for a livestreamed inspection using the robot's onboard camera, providing them with an accurate understanding of the area.

Sellafield's ROVs are now being utilised at other nuclear sites around the UK, such as Dounreay in Scotland.

In addition to enhancing safety, Sellafield say ROVs also offer significant cost savings while improving operational efficiency.

Deon Bulman, ROV equipment programme lead, said: "The adoption of new technology is progressing at pace at Sellafield as people start to see the benefits."

Rav Chunilal, head of robotics and artificial intelligence, added: "By embracing remote technologies, Sellafield is pioneering a new era in the nuclear industry and setting a standard for excellence in decommissioning operations worldwide."