Irradiation test and hardness design for mobile rescue robot in nuclear environment

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to improve the radiation-proof capability of the self-designed mobile robot with a 7-DOF manipulator, enabling the long-playing inspection and intervention under high-dose radiation environment. In this context, gamma-ray irradiation test for electronic components and specific hardness design have also been specifically presented and discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The study’s hardness design mainly focuses on shielding protection, distance protection and time protection. Irradiation test is first carried out to investigate irradiation resistance of each electronic module. Then, modular deployment and shielding calculation are completed for the point-type nuclear accidents, respectively, to achieve a robust anti-radiation design scheme. Finally, the field experiment is conducted to validate system effectiveness and good mobility, and operational practices are acquired for the realization of time protection.

Findings

Coupled with modular redeployment and shielding design, irradiation results illustrate the effectiveness of robotic anti-radiation design. Meanwhile, experiences and reformed measures from the field exercise implement efficient operation and radiological time protection.

Research limitations/implications

Considering the huge risks of high-dose source exposure, the radiation-resistance of the overall system cannot be verified in the field experiment. Fortunately, irradiation test and modular shielding calculation are conducted as a minimal validation.

Practical implications

The proposed anti-radiation design methods and the irradiated results can be applied to many other nuclear vehicles and manipulators for the feasible multi-layer protection and excellent mobility.

Originality/value

A nuclear intervention robot with specific hardness design is presented in detail in this paper. Enlightened by the idea of shielding and distance protection, a large number of electronic modules with multiple types and structures are treated and compared in irradiation experiments, while modular redeployment and retrofitting are completed to reduce irradiated damages. To achieve the effect of time protection, mobility performance and operational practices are discussed and validated in the field experiment based on the mobile system.

Citation

Gao, W., Wang, W., Zhu, H., Zhao, S., Huang, G. and Du, Z. (2019), "Irradiation test and hardness design for mobile rescue robot in nuclear environment", Industrial Robot, Vol. 46 No. 6, pp. 851-862. https://doi.org/10.1108/IR-01-2019-0010