Page 13 - Demo
P. 13
Winter/Spring 2025 www.gloveboxsociety.org 13continued from previous pagecontinued on next pageport. It also required flexible and adaptable thinking. The learning gained through the Sandbox was fed back to the manufacturer, supporting iterative changes adaptive to the challenges encountered in situ.Dexterity depends not just on flexibility, but also upon vision. We trialled multiple COTS 3D scanning cameras, comparing their performance relative to their cost. The varying scan quality of different objects - shiny, dull, small and complex geometry - was tested in various degrees of light, revealing the extent to which these cameras could capture the requisite level of detail. The trial demonstrated that a low-cost COTS camera offers similar performance to an expensive top-of-the-range camera - and, given that all models will be exposed to radiation degradation, disposing of the high-end models would be more wasteful. It also proved that our experimental and iterative Sandbox process could de-risk the project and save Sellafield money.Testing, TestingBut this was just the start. With dexterity and vision assured, we then had to trial the robot%u2019s toolkit, while reducing size as much as possible to ensure good fit. We trialled the COTS plasma cutter on simple and complex paths, through stainless steel plates of 10mm, 3mm box section, and 1.6mm ducting. We also tested a circular saw with cutting disc (the same used in current glovebox size reduction) and trialled the M12 stainless steel bolt. Successful trials of the COTS impact driver, assembled in a bespoke housing, tested socket head, bolts and nuts from M6 (34 Nm) to M20 (185 Nm).More trials continue to explore the range of possibilities and drive continuous improvement. The tool changer cradle is currently being redeveloped into a comprehensive tool changing station, with additional functionality. We%u2019re also testing the Covvi Nexus hand, a state-of-the-art multifunction prosthetic hand from the healthcare industry, providing even greater dexterity and physical haptic feedback for the operator.Improving the technology was important but so too was maintaining alignment to Sellafield%u2019s processes and procedures. Our method of developing the containment system exemplifies this collaborative approach. Given the challenge containment presents - how to insert and remove the system from the glovebox without breaking the containment and spreading contamination - working closely with Sellafield%u2019s specialists was particularly important. Sellafield%u2019s specialists influenced the concept design for the containment system. We first explored the full range of what was possible, before narrowing down into the simplest, most straightforward solution to prove the concept. That%u2019s how we developed a sleeve allowing the robot to be posted through the same port, with an interface allowing it to transmit power and communication to the tools. The operator can be next to it or work remotely via screens, improving safety and their skills. Collaborating with Sellafield%u2019s specialists enabled us to continuously shape every aspect of the solution to the site%u2019s needs. This involved applying standard Sellafield procedures for glove and bag changing, integrating the condition monitoring system to monitor each robot joint for snagging, and trialling materials for performance against tearing. By aligning Sellafield%u2019s site-specific needs and practices with the technology itself, we ensured that our solution was not just technically robust but genuinely capable of meeting Sellafield%u2019s needs.On Your Marks, Get Set, ARGOAt last, we were ready to deploy the solution: ARGO standing for AtkinsR%u00e9alis Remote Glovebox Operations system. Capitalising on recent advances in robotics, cameras, and sensors, ARGO combines fully automated robotic processes with remote control %u2018Cobot%u2019 systems and digital twin modelling. It delivers a comprehensive suite of technology that transforms glovebox operational efficiency. Its design, features, and overall functionality are geared to augment the performance of glovebox operators. ARGO%u2019s manually deployable frame allows insertion of the robot into the glovebox, providing a safe platform from which robotic operations can be performed. Moreover, Haptic force feedback controller