Sellafield trials new robotic dog in project involving Boston Dynamics

Spot the robot dog has been put through its paces at Sellafield as part of an active demonstration to look at using the clever canine as part of the day-to-day running of the site.

The 'dog' went under three days of trials at the sites Calder Hall power station, which has now been decommissioned.

The use of robots is nothing new for Sellafield, with their operation in hazardous environments aiming to keep people out of harm's way, allowing the robots to carry out routine tasks.

FRIEND: Spot has a meeting with a real life puppy

Rav Chunilal, head of robotics and AI for Sellafield Ltd, said: “Our mission is to create a clean and safe environment for future generations.

“Robots like Spot are an integral part of our future.

“They offer us a way of getting jobs done in hazardous environments while keeping people out of harm’s way.

“Robots are excellent at performing repetitive and time-consuming tasks.

TEAM: Sellafield workers pose with their robotic companion

"This allows us to free up our people to undertake more fulfilling work contributing to our purpose: creating a clean and safe environment for future generations."

Spot’s demonstration was held in partnership with US manufacturer Boston Dynamics, Cumbria-based engineering consultant Createc, and the UK Atomic Energy Authority

Will Newsom, head of nuclear at Createc, said:“Spot is the ideal tool to deploy equipment into industrial environments which have been designed for bipedal human exploration only.

TECH: Spot will help workers on the site stay out of harm's way

“It will be an important part of the toolset to add to Sellafield’s remote-operations capability.

“We are working with Boston Dynamics as their preferred partner for nuclear applications to deliver this cutting-edge technology and integrate new capabilities, making the solution business-as-usual for our customers.”

If successful, Spot could join Sellafield’s already large fleet of robots.