Lancaster University
Nuclear research at Lancaster targets the decommissioning of disused nuclear facilities. Its aim is to find ways to replace humans with robots in radioactive environments. Applications of their findings also extend to healthcare and cancer treatment.
D6 - Lancaster University
Nuclear Science & Engineering group
Lead Investigator: Prof. James Taylor
Contact: c.taylor@lancaster.ac.uk (please CC a.montazeri@lancaster.ac.uk)
Focus (or foci) of the group for NCNR:
Robots involved in nuclear operations often operate in conditions that are less than optimal. As a result of radiation, machines can deteriorate, they can return incomplete information from their remote locations, and they can be governed by nonlinear systems that yield data which appears chaotic or unpredictable. Lancaster is involved in developing nonlinear robust and adaptive algorithms designed to improve the modelling and control of robots operating with such uncertain parameters.
Algorithm development falls broadly into two main areas: mobility and navigation, and grasping manipulation. Laboratory prototypes developed by the group include:
- Heavy-duty hydraulic manipulator control systems, with cutting that uses a reciprocating saw
- Adaptive control of a four-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (i.e. a drone)