Bridging the gap between innovation and industry through the Game Changers programme

Game Changers, the UK's leading nuclear innovation programme, celebrates a major achievement with the announcement of a commercial contract for FIRMA Engineering’s remote deployment device. Developed with funding and commercialisation support from Game Changers over a period of 4 years, the first order for the technology known as FIRMArm has been placed by Sellafield Ltd. 

Game Changers is renowned for spearheading nuclear innovation, bringing together challenge owners from institutions such as Sellafield Ltd and Nuclear Restoration Services with solution providers spanning academia, research, SMEs, and more. The FIRMArm success story exemplifies the programme's commitment to the development and commercialisation of novel solutions and adapted existing technologies that tackle complex challenges in nuclear decommissioning. 

Following many years working in the aerospace and R&D sector, FIRMA Engineering had already begun addressing challenges in the nuclear industry when they attended a Game Changers Robotics and AI event in 2019. Inspired by the working-at-heights challenge launched at the event, the company developed the concept for the FIRMArm solution on the spot, swiftly following up with a funding application complete with sketches and 3D models. 

After successfully being awarded Game Changers feasibility funding, the first deployment prototype was designed. Sellafield challenge owners were sufficiently impressed to award further funding to enable extensive development and testing, culminating in an inactive demonstration which took place at NNL, Workington. The success of the demonstration led to the project gaining further momentum with additional Game Changers funding awarded to facilitate an active demonstration on the Sellafield site in 2022.  

The FIRMArm, or Flexible Interchangeable Reconfigurable Mechanical Arm, is a modular equipment deployment device capable of delivering payloads weighing up to 18kg to challenging and otherwise inaccessible areas. The current design boasts a remarkable range of up to 10m from the entry point, the FIRMArm supports various end effectors for diverse tasks, including cameras, sensors, and sampling equipment. The system has undergone successful testing with effectors from fellow Game Changers solution providers. 

Sellafield Ltd plans to deploy the FIRMArm onsite, with ongoing supervision and maintenance by the FIRMA team, ensuring continual development and upkeep of the revolutionary system. FIRMA Engineering is already exploring a separate Game Changers application for the FIRMArm, focusing on operations in deep holes rather than above ground. 

The Game Changers programme invites innovators with ideas, prototypes, or proven technologies that may be applicable to nuclear industry challenges. Programme applicants benefit from direct access to challenge owners from major industry players like Sellafield, with support and mentoring provided by a team of innovation and commercialisation experts dedicated to maximizing the potential of groundbreaking innovations for nuclear site deployment and sustained commercial success.