Cutting-edge autonomous transport technology to be explored for package journeys on Sellafield site

Feasibility funding has been announced for seven cutting-edge Game Changers projects aimed at developing autonomous transport systems for use onsite at Sellafield. The impressive array of applications received for the challenge showcases the robust capacity in the UK for advancing autonomous transport technology.

The focus of these projects lies in addressing the upcoming operational demands of Sellafield's new long-term storage facilities, designed for the safe and secure storage of nuclear inventory. Once operational, these facilities are anticipated to receive packages from various legacy stores across the Sellafield site, leading to a substantial increase in the package journeys being made, from monthly to daily. To meet this demand, Sellafield Ltd is investing in automated processes for transporting waste and product packages across the site. One of the key objectives of this initiative is to reduce the dependence on driver and vehicle availability, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

Feasibility funding has been awarded to the following seven solution providers, with some focusing on the autonomous transport vehicles and others dedicated to control systems: 

• Academy of Robotics, Horning
• Ada Mode, Bristol
• Cyclopic Ltd, Dorchester
• Delkia Ltd, Whitehaven
• Digital Concepts Engineering Ltd, Hinckley
• IDV Robotics Ltd, Nuneaton
• Ribble Valley Robotics Ltd, Blackburn

Each project has been granted £10,000 in funding for a 12-week study to demonstrate the feasibility of their proposed systems. During this period, the teams will work to showcase the capabilities of their autonomous transport solutions and develop applications for further proof-of-concept Game Changers funding.

It is hoped that the results of these studies will demonstrate the potential transformative impact of autonomous transport technology on nuclear inventory management, at Sellafield and across the wider NDA estate.