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The University of Nottingham’s (UoN) long-reach snake manipulator has achieved a landmark deployment at Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) Dounreay, providing unprecedented access to areas inaccessible for decades. The success marks a significant step forward for modular manipulator technology that has been evolving through the Game Changers innovation programme since 2018.&nbsp;Developed through the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Manufacturing and On-Wing Technology, the latest version of the snake manipulator represents a clear leap from earlier prototypes. Designed and built by UoN, with input and operational testing opportunities from NRS Dounreay, the device is capable of entering 30 mm apertures, navigating complex geometries, conducting 3D inspections, and carrying a sensor payload.&nbsp;In March 2025, the manipulator was operated on site by Ice9 Robotics with support from FIS360 Ltd and AevaSpec, a University of Glasgow spin-out. In a first-of-its-kind demonstration, the robot successfully navigated through a 30 mm aperture into a highly restricted area of the facility, capturing high-quality video and real-time radiation mapping data that will directly shape decommissioning strategies.&nbsp;<h2>From Prototype to Nuclear-Grade Tool&nbsp;</h2>The deployment builds directly on a March 2024 trial at NRS Dounreay, where the manipulator was first tested in an active nuclear environment. Learning from that earlier demonstration, the team has made substantial enhancements. These include:&nbsp;<ul><li>Improved LED lighting for sharper, clearer video capture&nbsp;</li><li>Increased manoeuvrability and payload capacity for greater operational flexibility&nbsp;</li><li>Integration of a miniaturised gamma radiation sensor from AevaSpec, delivering real-time dose-rate and spectroscopic data alongside visual imagery&nbsp;</li></ul>The sensor integration was a particularly important milestone. Co-developed by UoN and AevaSpec, the lightweight gamma detector was mounted without compromising navigability – something rarely achieved in confined-space robotic systems.&nbsp;Jason Simpson, Project Manager at NRS Dounreay, emphasised the operational impact:&nbsp;“The value of the snake manipulator lies in its ability to access areas previously out of reach, providing the critical data needed to shape decommissioning strategies and reduce risk remotely. By eliminating the need for intrusive investigative work, it delivers significant time and cost savings. For this project alone, the avoided costs exceed £1 million; if applied across other cells in the NDA estate, the potential savings could be truly substantial.”&nbsp;<h2>Engineering for Confined Space Challenges&nbsp;</h2>The manipulator’s modular design remains central to its adaptability. Length can be tailored from a few metres up to 20 m, combining low-cost, off-the-shelf components with 3D-printed connectors. Inflatable stabilisation balloons enable the head to lift and hold steady while carrying payloads, while a revolute joint provides fine vertical and rotational control for full 3D inspections.&nbsp;Such versatility is crucial in environments like Dounreay, where shielded hot cells, long stretches of ducting, and complex pipe networks were never designed with access or decommissioning in mind. Current solutions – borescopes or camera poles – offer only limited line-of-sight visuals near the ground. High-end snake-arm robots exist but are typically too large, too short in reach, or prohibitively expensive.&nbsp;By contrast, UoN’s system delivers a unique combination: small diameter, long reach, sensor integration, and low cost.&nbsp;Mark Crichton, Project Engineer at NRS Dounreay, highlighted the importance of the new insights:&nbsp;“The Snake ROV surveys have let us build up an invaluable picture of the cell underside infrastructure and services that have thus far evaded us through drawing searches.”&nbsp;<h2>A Growing Story of Collaboration&nbsp;</h2>The journey of the snake manipulator reflects years of sustained collaboration across academia, industry, and government. The project originated through the Robotics and AI in Nuclear Hub, where early trials with an aerospace snake robot highlighted the need for greater length and stiffness for nuclear deployment. Further development followed via the FIS360-managed Game Changers programme, with successful feasibility and proof-of-concept trials, leading to funding from the Robotics and AI Collaboration (RAICo) for continued development. Funding from NRS Dounreay then enabled the integration of radiometric sensing, ensuring the system was not just a vision but a working tool in one of the UK’s most challenging nuclear environments.&nbsp;Compared with the 2024 demonstration – when the prototype first solved a <a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/news/Snake_robot_solves_40-year-old_nuclear_mystery" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">40-year-old mystery</a> inside a restricted-access cell – this latest deployment signals a maturing, nuclear-ready technology with clear commercial and cross-sector potential.<h2>Beyond Nuclear&nbsp;</h2>While nuclear decommissioning is a natural proving ground, the potential applications are broad. Aerospace, defence, petrochemical, and utilities sectors all face the same challenge: how to inspect and assess confined or hazardous spaces without exposing workers to risk.&nbsp;By bridging this gap, the University of Nottingham snake manipulator is not only helping to accelerate nuclear clean-up, but also laying the foundation for safer, faster, and more cost-effective inspection across industries.

Enhanced with radiation sensing and advanced manoeuvrability, the University of Nottingham’s snake manipulator has achieved a breakthrough deployment at NRS Dounreay – cutting costs, improving safety, and transforming access to previously unreachable nuclear environments.

Enhanced snake manipulator cuts costs and improves safety at NRS Dounreay

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Two pioneering UK companies supported by Sellafield Ltd’s Game Changers innovation programme, delivered by <a href="https://fis360.com/case-study/game-changers-case-study/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FIS360</a> and UKNNL, have been named among the 20 winners of the <a href="https://www.world-nuclear-exhibition.com/en-gb/programme/wne-startup-program1.html#Startups" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">World Nuclear Exhibition (WNE) 2025 Startup Program</a> – a prestigious international competition spotlighting the most innovative startups shaping the future of civil nuclear energy.&nbsp;At its core, Game Changers exists to support Sellafield Ltd in its decommissioning mission, while enabling ambitious companies to commercialise breakthrough technologies with cross-sector impact.&nbsp;The two UK winners, <a href="https://ice9robotics.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ice9 Robotics</a> and <a href="https://www.seracimagingsystems.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Serac Imaging Systems</a>, are developing cutting-edge inspection and imaging technologies with the potential to transform nuclear decommissioning on the Sellafield site – and deliver impact across wider industries.&nbsp;<h2>Ice9 Robotics: Transforming Remote Inspection&nbsp;</h2>Warrington-based Ice9 Robotics is delivering breakthrough solutions for remote inspection in hazardous nuclear environments. Supported by Game Changers, the company has recently demonstrated three pioneering technologies:&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/news/New_%E2%80%9CCamdroid%E2%80%9D_technology_promises_breakthrough_in_inspection_of_inaccessible_nuclear_infrastructure" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Camdroid</a> – a compact, articulated inspection camera designed in collaboration with Bristol-based Design Driven Solutions Ltd. Built to pass through narrow access ports in metre-thick concrete walls, Camdroid provides high-resolution imagery and video from within inaccessible nuclear cells. Its articulated tip, advanced lighting, and modular design allow unprecedented coverage and flexibility, overcoming the limitations of borescopes.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/news/Ice_Nine_Ltd_demonstrates_advanced_%E2%80%98Periscopic%E2%80%99_camera_system_to_Sellafield_stakeholders" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Periscopic Camera System</a> – inspired by classical periscope design, this innovative lens-and-mirror device enables high-quality colour images of confined spaces, while keeping sensitive electronics outside the radiologically harsh environment. Successfully demonstrated to Sellafield stakeholders, the system was praised as “a game changer” for its ability to provide clear imagery from areas previously impossible to inspect.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/news/Ice_Nine_Ltd_unveils_next-gen_UAV_technology_for_confined_nuclear_inspections" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Micro UAV for Confined Spaces</a> – a next-generation drone capable of navigating through 140mm access ports into pitch-black, GPS-denied environments. Demonstrated at Sellafield’s Centre of Excellence, the UAV captured stable, high-resolution video beyond visual line of sight, showcasing agility and endurance in cluttered spaces.&nbsp;</li></ul>Collectively, Ice9’s technologies promise safer, more efficient inspections across the Sellafield site and the wider Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) estate, reducing risks to workers and extending the lifespan of critical infrastructure.&nbsp;<h2>Serac Imaging Systems: Seeing Radiation in Real Time&nbsp;</h2>Also recognised is Serac Imaging Systems, whose flagship product, Seracam®, brings real-time gamma-optical imaging to nuclear operations.&nbsp;Based on research from the Universities of Leicester and Nottingham, <a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/projects/Gamma_optical_video_imaging" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">adapted for nuclear applications</a> at Loughborough University through the Game Changers programme, Seracam overlays live gamma and optical video, allowing operators to see radiation sources with pinpoint accuracy while they work.&nbsp;Key features include:&nbsp;<ul><li>Real-time gamma and optical video overlay&nbsp;</li><li>High-resolution imaging to distinguish the size, shape, and location of radiation sources&nbsp;</li><li>Portable and deployable in confined environments such as gloveboxes&nbsp;</li><li>Continuous feedback during clean-up operations, giving operators a live view of progress and clear end points&nbsp;</li></ul>Already a proven tool in medical imaging, Seracam’s adaptation for nuclear decommissioning could provide step-change improvements in efficiency, safety, and precision for operators working in challenging environments.&nbsp;<h2>A Platform for Global Innovation&nbsp;</h2>The WNE Startup Program is held as part of the World Nuclear Exhibition (WNE) – the world’s largest civil nuclear event – providing winners with global visibility, networking opportunities, and connections with industry leaders.&nbsp;For Game Changers, this international recognition reinforces the value of collaboration in solving some of the most complex challenges facing the nuclear sector.&nbsp;“Ice9 Robotics and Serac Imaging Systems exemplify the innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration that we need to deliver our nationally significant mission” said Andres Alfaro, Emerging Technology Team, Sellafield Ltd. “Their success on the world stage highlights the strength of the UK’s innovation ecosystem and the potential for these technologies to deliver impact not just on our site, but in broader industry.”&nbsp;Congratulations to Ice9 Robotics and Serac Imaging Systems – two UK innovators making their mark on the global stage and helping shape the future of nuclear technology.&nbsp;

Two UK startups backed by Sellafield’s Game Changers programme have been named among the world’s most innovative nuclear companies, recognised by the WNE Startup Program for pioneering inspection and imaging technologies transforming nuclear decommissioning.

UK startups backed by Game Changers recognised among world’s most innovative nuclear companies

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A pioneering camera and lens system developed by Ice Nine Ltd was successfully demonstrated to 16 key stakeholders from Sellafield Ltd at the RAICo1 innovation facility in Whitehaven. The ‘Periscopic’ system, a breakthrough in visual inspection for nuclear sites, is poised to revolutionise how confined and hazardous areas are inspected across the Sellafield site and potentially the wider Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) estate.The technology was <a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/news/Innovative_technologies_receive_funding_to_enhance_asset_inspection_through_small_ports" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: black;">originally conceived</a> to address the “Asset Inspection through 19mm Diameter Access Ports” <a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/challenge/Asset_inspection_through_19mm_diameter_access_ports" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: black;">challenge</a>. The technology demonstrated at the end of the proof-of-concept (PoC) project is a slender device capable of delivering sharp, colour, high-resolution imagery from areas previously considered too difficult or dangerous to access.<h2>Reimagining visual inspection in hazardous environments</h2>Many inspection zones at Sellafield are highly radioactive and notoriously difficult to access, presenting challenges for traditional electronic systems, which degrade quickly under such conditions. Conventional tools like borescopes and endoscopes are designed primarily for pipework and close-range viewing, often producing grainy, black-and-white images with limited detail.Ice Nine’s ‘Periscopic’ system is different.By drawing on the age-old principles of periscope design and integrating modern optical engineering, the system uses a series of lenses and mirrors to look through small access ports and view large internal spaces. Crucially, the camera hardware is kept outside the radiologically harsh environment, preserving image clarity and extending the system’s lifespan.“This is a game changer,” said one of the attending Sellafield stakeholders. “Not only does it give us eyes in places we’ve never been able to inspect before, but the image quality is a huge step change from anything we’ve previously used.”<h2>Demonstration &amp; industry reception</h2>During the live demonstration at RAICo1, attendees witnessed the Periscopic system in action. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the high image resolution and colour fidelity – a stark contrast to current inspection methods.<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1110239730/"></iframe>A range of use cases was discussed during the event – environments where human access is impossible, and existing camera technologies fall short.The central Sellafield R&amp;D team who supported this recent project phase acknowledge the innovation’s potential for wider deployment and applications far beyond the original inspection challenge.<h2>Looking ahead: from concept to deployment</h2>The Periscopic project has been supported by the Game Changers programme, which funds novel technologies aimed at solving complex nuclear industry problems. With early feasibility and prototyping phases complete, Ice Nine is now preparing for further development, including hardware enhancements and features such as image stitching for panoramic views.Further on-site trials and active deployments will refine the system based on real-world requirements. With broad applicability across Sellafield and potential relevance across the entire NDA estate, this cost-effective, low-risk innovation represents a new frontier in remote inspection.“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved,” said a spokesperson from Ice Nine. “By combining centuries-old optics with today’s engineering, we’ve created a simple yet powerful tool that tackles a longstanding problem in a fresh way. We’ve really valued the input from Sellafield challenge owners that has enabled us to develop a relevant technology, whilst FIS360’s management has been vital in successful delivery of this project.”As Sellafield continues to prioritise safety, efficiency, and innovation, technologies like Periscopic mark a significant step forward – ensuring that even the most inaccessible corners of the site are no longer out of sight.

A pioneering camera and lens system developed by Ice Nine Ltd, ‘Periscopic’, was successfully demonstrated to 16 key stakeholders from Sellafield Ltd at the RAICo1 innovation facility in Whitehaven.

Ice Nine Ltd demonstrates advanced ‘Periscopic’ camera system to Sellafield stakeholders

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Ice Nine Ltd successfully demonstrated its latest Micro UAV technology, showcasing significant progress in a second proof-of-concept (PoC) project focused on drone deployment into confined and hazardous nuclear environments.

Ice Nine Ltd unveils next-gen UAV technology for confined nuclear inspections

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CC Informatics (CCI) has successfully demonstrated its innovative AssetScan technology to a group of 30 Sellafield staff, highlighting the potential of artificial intelligence to transform visual inspections in the nuclear sector.&nbsp;Held at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) Leconfield, the demonstration marked the conclusion of CCI’s proof-of-concept (PoC) project under the Game Changers open innovation programme. AssetScan was originally submitted through the programme’s General Application route, which allows solution providers to propose technologies that may benefit organisations including Sellafield Ltd, NRS Dounreay, and NRS Magnox.&nbsp;AssetScan is a patent-pending, trademarked AI product that automates the detection and measurement of defects in structural assets. Initially developed for use in the water industry, where it was applied to inspect masonry structures, the technology has now been adapted to suit the unique materials and conditions found on nuclear sites – including concrete, cladding and exposed steelwork.&nbsp;The demonstration outlined how AssetScan integrates high-resolution visual inspection data with photogrammetry and cutting-edge artificial intelligence. The process begins with either site-collected or provided imagery, which must meet specific criteria to enable accurate 3D modelling – namely image overlap and feature consistency across at least three views.&nbsp;Using industry-standard software, CCI constructs a photogrammetric 3D model of the structure. AssetScan’s AI engine, built on convolutional neural networks (CNNs), then processes the raw images to detect structural anomalies. These enhanced images are overlaid onto the 3D model, and orthorectified views of key surfaces are exported for post-processing and defect measurement.&nbsp;Throughout the PoC, CCI applied AssetScan to a range of Sellafield structures, with a particular focus on concrete and steel elements. The demonstration showcased the results of these trials, sparking insightful discussions among attendees about real-world applications in engineering and asset condition monitoring.<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1094374220/"></iframe>"AssetScan represents a paradigm shift in visual inspection of large infrastructure, because our technology can be used to assess very large infrastructure holistically – which is something that a manual reviewer cannot do. It is a scalable solution that automates defect identification and tracking in huge image datasets – meaning more rapid detection of change, and provision of metrics that can assist human decision makers," said a CCI spokesperson. "We’ve demonstrated that AI, when combined with remotely collected survey data and 3D modelling, can significantly enhance the way visual inspection data is managed and reported on entire infrastructure systems – meaning better decisions, sooner, and resulting in better records to be kept for the future."As the nuclear sector seeks new ways to improve safety and operational efficiency, AssetScan stands out as a promising tool to support digital transformation in asset management. With its successful adaptation from the water industry to nuclear applications, the technology may soon play a vital role in supporting the long-term integrity of critical infrastructure.&nbsp;

CC Informatics (CCI) has successfully demonstrated its innovative AssetScan technology to a group of 30 Sellafield staff, highlighting the potential of artificial intelligence to transform visual inspections in the nuclear sector.

CC Informatics showcases AI-driven structural inspection tool 'AssetScan' at Sellafield demonstration

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April marked a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between Sellafield Ltd and Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (CAP), with the successful completion of a graduate secondment aimed at advancing next-generation nuclear monitoring technology.Supporting a Game Changers innovation project, Charlotte Edge – a Technical Graduate from Sellafield and part of the Retrievals Strategy &amp; Technical team – took part in an embedded work placement with Fraunhofer CAP in Glasgow. The initiative focused on progressing the collaborative development of advanced <a href="https://www.gamechangers.technology/challenge/Condition_monitoring_and_inspection" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Condition Monitoring and Inspection (CM&amp;I) technologies</a>. These technologies are designed to monitor the evolution of nuclear waste and ensure the integrity of 3m³ waste storage boxes, crucial to Sellafield’s safety and environmental goals.&nbsp;At the heart of the project is the Range Resolved Hydrogen System, a state-of-the-art optical sensing technology being developed to detect and monitor hydrogen gas in nuclear waste stores. By using an upscaled Raman spectrometer, the system can detect hydrogen concentrations from distances up to 80 metres, providing real-time insights into gas evolution within storage environments.&nbsp;During the secondment, Charlotte worked alongside Fraunhofer experts to assemble and align the optical components of the system. The collaborative build phase included hands-on configuration of the laser-based detection apparatus, safety risk assessments related to laser usage, and preparation for upcoming field trials. This work plays a key role in developing an inactive demonstrator that will elevate the technology to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5, with elements of TRL 6.&nbsp;The placement not only advanced technical development but also fostered significant cross-sector learning. Sellafield staff gained specialist knowledge in optics and laser-based sensing, while Fraunhofer deepened its understanding of the complexities and operational constraints within the nuclear sector. The exchange sparked insightful discussions on procedural and cultural differences between industries, enriching both teams’ perspectives."I had a great time," said Charlotte Edge. "It was a very valuable experience being able to be hands-on with the technology and getting to explore new concepts. Thank you to Fraunhofer for this wonderful opportunity!"This secondment exemplifies the strength of industry-academic collaboration in solving some of the UK’s most challenging nuclear engineering problems. By combining Sellafield’s operational expertise with Fraunhofer’s technological innovation, the partnership is creating a path forward for safer, more effective nuclear waste monitoring.&nbsp;As testing of the hydrogen monitoring system moves forward, both organisations look to continue building on this successful collaboration – one that not only drives innovation but also strengthens cross-sector knowledge and capability.&nbsp;

April marked a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between Sellafield Ltd and Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (CAP), with the successful completion of a graduate secondment aimed at advancing next-generation nuclear monitoring technology.

News

Enhanced snake manipulator cuts costs and improves safety at NRS Dounreay

UK startups backed by Game Changers recognised among world’s most innovative nuclear companies

Ice Nine Ltd demonstrates advanced ‘Periscopic’ camera system to Sellafield stakeholders

Ice Nine Ltd unveils next-gen UAV technology for confined nuclear inspections

CC Informatics showcases AI-driven structural inspection tool 'AssetScan' at Sellafield demonstration

Sellafield and Fraunhofer deepen collaboration through graduate secondment