Meeting the growing needs of the nuclear back-end requires the availability of a dedicated workforce as well as optimisation of tasks and schedules for competing projects and sites. The adoption of robotics and remote systems (RRS) could be a significant support, minimising the human exposure and risks associated with back-end activities, but also enabling new applications that enhance back-end operations. 

To support this adoption, the Expert Group on the Application of Robotics and Remote Systems in the Nuclear Back-end (EGRRS) organised a series of webinars to share lessons learnt with a wider audience. 

The fourth webinar in the series featured the following presentations:

Linda Ekstrand - Head of Control Rods Project, Ågesta Decommissioning

• Challenges with importing and implementing non-nuclear technology into the nuclear sector

Julien Dhote - Product Manager, Nio Robotics

• Deploying robotics into the nuclear field: implementation and obstacles faced

Ladislav Vargovčík - R&D Manager in Prototyping and Innovation Centre, Technical University of Kosice (TUKE)

• Orbital robotic system for fragmentation of steam generator shell, import from orbital cutting of large pipes and cutting module design from machine tools

_{Photo credits: Nicklas Tjernlund, Vattenfall, Brokk TC120 tankcutter used at Ågesta NPP in Sweden}