Researchers from Atkins, a consulting engineer, and U.K.-based prosthetic hand developer COVVI, are jointly working to create a robotic solution that will potentially bring human-like dexterity to applications in nuclear environments.

A bionic hand, originally built by COVVI for people with upper limb differences, will be adapted for the nuclear sector by building upon Atkins’ previous work for deploying collaborative robots in nuclear environments. The bionic hand, which will serve as an end effector attached to a robotic arm, is expected to allow nuclear sector workers to conduct dangerous, high-dexterity manipulations remotely, such as glovebox operations for handling nuclear materials and waste.
Source: COVVISource: COVVI

The companies suggest that by incorporating the bionic hand into Atkins’ collaborative robotic solutions for the nuclear sector, humans will be removed from hazardous zones. Further, glovebox operations will reportedly be able to be performed over longer periods.

The researchers explained: “Working with COVVI to reconfigure their bionic hand for teleoperation combines our knowledge of nuclear, digital and robotics capabilities with COVVI’s expertise and world-leading prosthetics. It’s an example of how collaboration is crucial to help accelerate innovation and bring forward new solutions that address some of the sector’s biggest challenges swiftly and cost-effectively. The new robotic hand has the potential to reduce risk and improve productivity for the nuclear operators that we work in partnership with around the world, and we look forward to seeing it deliver results soon.”

The researchers are also simultaneously developing a digital twin to rehearse and pre-plan glovebox operations.

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