R&D for digital tools for robotics, based on use cases from Sellafield, Fukushima Daiichi and JET.
RACE – Remote Applications for Challenging Environments – is the UKAEA’s centre for robotics, specialising in Remote Operations and Maintenance.
RACE collaborates with industry partners and academic institutions in the design, development, and delivery of robotic solutions.
RACE offers specialist skills in robotics and remote maintenance systems to enable people to conduct work safely and cost effectively in extreme environments. RACE partners with UK industry and supply chains to enhance supply chain capability and ensure users are intelligent customers.
LongOps is a £12 million robotics research programme that brings together fission and fusion decommissioning use cases:
Legacy nuclear reactors in the UK at Sellafield
Fukushima Daiichi reactors in Japan
JET at Culham in the UK
In each case there is a need to develop remotely-operated technologies. The consensus is that Digital Twins are a critical component for operations in all three cases.
Digital Twins are used to develop strategy and decrease risk in planning, deliver training, enable operations, provide information to operators during remote operations, and manage data.
The LongOps programme is being delivered by RACE and builds on decades of remote handling experience and existing expertise in software development for remote handling. It is equally funded by TEPCO, UKRI and the NDA.
Opportunities
LongOps is designed to explore the potential of the next generation of Digital Mock-Ups (DMUs).
Several opportunities to contribute to LongOps will become available over the next few months for industry and academia to perform DMU Research and Development.
| LongOps WP | Contract | Estimated ITT Opening | Estimated ITT Closing |
| 3.2.3 | Development of prototype next-generation digital twins and simulations for training, digital mock-up, and task development | Late Nov 2021 | Mid Jan 2022 |
| 3.5.1 | Development of datasets for machine learning | Late Nov 2021 | Early Jan 2022 |
| 3.3.1 | Development of robot planning tools for leveraging the latest advances in robotics and human-robot interaction | Mid Nov 2021 | Early Jan 2022 |
| 3.3.2 | Technology development for accurate control of long, slender, flexible, high-payload articulated deployment booms | Mid Nov 2021 | Early Jan 2022 |
| 3.5.2 | Research and development of novel techniques and technologies for incorporating sensor data into digital twins | Mid Dec 2021 | Early Feb 2022 |
| Low TRL | Development of low-TRL digital technologies for decommissioning | Early Dec 2021 | Late Feb 2022 |
Up-to date information will be available on the RACE website.
Each opportunity will be advertised through an Invitation to Tender (ITT).
Search using ‘LongOps’ as a keyword at uk.eu-supply.com.
All interest, requests to participate and enquiries should be submitted to the named Procurement Representative identified in the advertisements. To be able to work on a response you will have to register and log in.
For information on UKAEA's procurement process, see our Guidance article on Page 3.