National Centre for Nuclear Robotics
The partner institution groups and their game changing technologies in more detail:
Key research areas
01
Characterisation02
Waste handling03
Cell decommissioning04
Underwater interventions05
UAV based site monitoringA consortium of 8 universities led by the University of Birmingham is developing cutting-edge technology to solve the problem of nuclear waste. Our mission is to clear the UK of radioactive material - but the human benefits of our tech go far beyond nuclear safety.
Characterisation
Radiological characterisation is vital during the decommissioning of nuclear installations. It involves detecting and labelling radiation levels, waste materials and contaminants, and determining other parameters (eg. thermal and chemical). This data is then intelligently attached to 3D scene models.
Read moreWaste handling
Nuclear waste must be dealt with safely. Robots are being developed to autonomously carry out complex tasks (perceiving, grasping, cutting and manipulating waste). Once sorted, radioactive material can then be stored safely or disposed of appropriately, all through the actions of remotely controlled robots.
Read moreCell decommissioning
A large part of nuclear decommissioning involves dismantling radiation environments (eg. facilities contaminated by plutonium dust). Robots are needed to navigate enclosed spaces and pull apart contaminated pipes, vessels and steelwork. Currently this work is done manually by humans in air-fed suits.
Read moreUnderwater interventions
Remotely-operated vehicles are being developed to access, inspect and map complex underwater nuclear sites, for when the deployment of a manned vehicle is considered too hazardous.
Read moreUAV based site monitoring
Drones (or unmanned aerial vehicles) reduce the need for human entry into radioactive environments. Research is ongoing to develop the next generation of UAVs. These will detect radiation levels both during routine monitoring and after emergencies.
Read moreThe UK holds 4.9 million tons of nuclear waste. With today’s technology, it could take up to 120 years and as much as £200bn to make it safe.
We need new ways to tackle our legacy waste – solutions that are faster, safer and cheaper than what we have now.
Finding them is what we do at the National Centre for Nuclear Robotics (NCNR).
By uniting leading experts in robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), sensors, radiation, and resilient embedded systems, we aim to bring Europe’s biggest and most complex environmental challenge to a timely end.

The UK has invested £42 million in the NCNR. Our brief is to reduce nuclear waste, ease the burden on the taxpayer, and create a safer world for future generations. This has been invested by Research institutions, Industry, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and Private Investors.

The NCNR is a collaborative project involving international experts from 8 UK universities and 30+ partners from the nuclear industry.
Together, we’re finding ways to make radioactive environments safe and to dispose of nuclear waste. By engaging stakeholders from the entire value chain, we’re uniquely equipped and resourced to develop ground-breaking technologies.
Key People
