The Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking university proposals for a partnership with Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) to conduct research and prototype development of nuclearized robots – technology capable of accessing hazardous areas at nuclear facilities – according to a special notice issued this week. SNL’s High Consequence Automation and Robotics (HCAR) Group, which “originated from a DOE need for unmanned radioactive waste cleanup” and develops “high consequence automated systems for critical national security applications,” will join with university partners for projects that fall under DOE’s fiscal 2016 “Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research” grant opportunity led by its Idaho Field Office. The grant, which offers an estimated $56.2 million in total program funding, includes two university-led integrated research projects: one for nuclearized robotics for integrated mapping, and another for underwater nuclearized robotics.
The first project seeks a robotic solution to remotely maneuver within high-hazard spaces in nuclear facilities, take high-resolution video footage, collect radioactivity measurements, help determine structural integrity, and contribute data for computer simulation, according to DOE’s Office of Environmental Management (EM). The project will be applied at the Hanford Site, the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, and the Savannah River Site, in spaces with irregular surfaces, poor visibility, and high levels of radioactive contamination, an EM webinar said. The second project calls for a robotic prototype that can maneuver in water-filled areas of nuclear facilities and perform measurements, with applications at Hanford waste and Savannah River spent fuel storage facilities, according to EM. The notice calls for potential partners to express their interest by the close of business on Oct. 20, with full proposals due Dec. 3. SNL “reserves the right to support joint proposals with one, none, or more than one partner,” the notice says.
