Cyan Tec Launch Pioneering Robotic Sort & Seg System for Nuclear Waste
Cyan Tec reveals a fully autonomous robotic sort and segregation system for handling nuclear waste. This innovative project drives forward technology in nuclear decommissioning enabling low and intermediate level waste to be sorted remotely. The advanced robotic solution is capable of safely, effectively and efficiently sorting non-radioactive waste, to increase recycling rates, reduce the number of waste containers sent for disposal and reduce the hazard to people and the environment.
The state-of-the-art system assesses the radioactivity and physical characteristics of nuclear waste then sorts and segregates it into the correct containers with data collected to inform package records. The vision system, with machine learning, acquires 2D images and 3D cloud data of objects to automatically identify individual waste and enable robotic handling. Vision and monitoring equipment autonomously control the robot and gripper selection to segregate and package nuclear waste. Advanced material analysis techniques include laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy capable of penetrating surface coatings to analyse base materials.
Managing Director Tony Jones reports “Cyan Tec is excited to pushing the boundaries of AI and robotic technology in the nuclear industry.”
Cyan Tec’s reliable solution is both configurable and scalable enabling it to handle waste of different sizes and radioactivity levels. Cyan Tec’s modular approach means the system can be simply transferable to different nuclear facilities and environments.
Cyan Tec together with partners Atkins, PSC, Manufacturing Technology Centre and Applied Photonics successfully achieved funding to drive this innovative project through the ‘Sort and Seg’ innovation competition worth a total of £5.5m launched by Sellafield, in partnership with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Magnox. The aim is to reduce waste, reduce manual sorting and increase segregation productivity.
The key benefits to the nuclear decommissioning industry include increased sustainability, reduced risks to personnel and significant cost savings in disposal costs.
To learn more about this robotic sort and segregation system for nuclear waste or similar bespoke advanced processing solutions contact sales@cyan-tec.com
