Robots cut risks and costs in nuclear power plants

Teleoperated robots used to reduce employee exposure to radiation and to achieve measurable and often significant cost savings are described. The robots are mobile, people-machine systems, with a human in the loop guiding their movements and operation. They are remotely operated vehicles that consist of three systems: a computer, a sensor, and a mechanical structure. They go into controlled radiation areas and perform routine surveillance and inspection tasks. Present and future applications of teleoperated robots in power plants are identified. Three robots used at the author´s company are described.<>