Our Solution 

Our team tackled the challenges of the sealed Dounreay Cell by deploying our N-Visage Explore system. NV-Explore is our innovative payload, designed with advanced radiation characterisation algorithms. It uses precise radiation detection capabilities crucial for navigating hazardous environments.  

Integrated with the Boston Dynamics Spot robot, NV-Explore facilitated exploration by providing high-quality 3D radiometric survey data across varying dose rates. The team operated Spot outside of the cell in a safe environment. 

This solution involved deploying two Spot robots equipped with customised payloads. One Spot, equipped with NV-Explore, conducted thorough radiometric surveys throughout the cell, generating a detailed 3D reconstruction of radiation sources and dose planes. 

Meanwhile, the second Spot performed supporting tasks, such as deploying Rajant mesh network nodes – devices used to extend and enhance communication networks – and conducting hardware inspections.  

We partnered with Leica Geosystems to utilise the Leica BLKARC Lidar, which is capable of producing high-fidelity geospatial surveys, in the form of 3D pointclouds. These point clouds are used by NV-Explore both in an online survey format and post-processing format. 

Through data analysis and post-processing, we established a clear understanding of the radiation distribution within the cell. This integrated approach not only addressed immediate challenges but also laid a foundation for scalable and efficient radiation characterisation in similar environments. 

In addition to the innovative technology used in this deployment, both Spot robots were equipped with our new Robotic Protective Suit. This suit, expertly designed for robots like Boston Dynamics’ Spot, enables navigation and operation in the most challenging and hazardous conditions, preventing costly damage. Using these suits allowed us to navigate the highly contaminated cell, retrieve the robots, and swiftly redeploy them after thorough cleaning. This streamlined process not only saved time but also reduced costs and waste for our customer as the robots were able to stay in the environment and therefore each used only one suit for the week-long deployment, where human workers would require one per entry into the cell.