A fully autonomous robot has carried out an inspection of the inside of a fusion energy facility in a world first that could bring mass fusion power a step closer.

Fusion is the process that happens in the heart of stars, creating large bursts of energy when light nuclei fuse to form a heavier nucleus.

It is essentially the opposite of the nuclear fission process currently used in nuclear energy plants, where energy is released when a nucleus is split apart to form smaller nuclei.

It is estimated that fusion could generate four times more clean energy per kilogram of fuel than fission.

There are numerous challenges involved in bringing fusion power to large-scale fruition, however.

Any future fusion power plants will require regular maintenance where challenging conditions, including radiation, vacuum-level pressure and extreme temperatures, limit access for humans.

The successful deployment of the autonomous robot in a joint project by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the Oxford Robotics Institute (ORI) has shown that part of the inspection process can be carried out in a way that is safer for humans and more cost-efficient for operators.

A number of technical challenges remain, but the trial provides a further step towards the potential commercial viability of fusion energy.

35-day trial took place at leading fusion research facility

The trial lasted for 35 days at UKAEA’s Joint European Torus (JET) facility, which has now undergone operational shutdown but was formerly recognised as one of the world’s largest and most powerful fusion research machines.

It saw ORI’s ‘AutoInspect’ autonomy platform installed in one of Boston Dynamics’ ‘dog-style’ Spot quadruped robots.

The robot was deployed in a JET environment that was still hazardous following two high-powered deuterium-tritium fusion experiments in the space of three years.

The tasks it undertook included mapping the environment and taking sensor readings while avoiding obstacles and personnel involved in decommissioning the facility.

It was able to collect essential data on the facility’s environment and overall status twice a day.

Robotic inspections previously required humans to make decisions and operate the technology, but ORI’s localisation and mission autonomy solutions allowed the robot to work with minimal oversight.

Dr Robert Skilton, head of research at UKAEA’s Remote Applications in Challenging Environments division, said that the trial demonstrated the ability of autonomous robots to enhance safety and cut costs.

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