Users at Fukushima, Sellafield and JET need to develop solutions to conduct work over many decades inside large, shielded spaces which contain hazardous material, using remotely controlled ‘long reach’ robotics. The name ‘LongOps’ refers to both the long period of the operations and the long reach booms required.
A major feature of the LongOps programme is the development of sophisticated digital twin technology – software which links virtual reality with the physical world. This next generation of digital tools will provide opportunities to develop decommissioning strategies, and train and conduct operations in high-consequence, constantly changing environments.
Opportunities
A key objective of LongOps is to develop the UK Supply Chain to better support the Nuclear industry over the coming decades. At the heart of LongOps is a portfolio of approximately £2.6 million external research and development aimed at increasing the Technology Readiness Levels of key digital technologies.
The contracts will explore the potential for a new generation of digital tools focusing on these key areas:
- Architecture and Standards
- Development of a Next Generation Digital Mock-Up
- Technology development related to Long Reach Mechanisms
- Haptic Manipulators
- Sensing & Perception in Unstructured Environments
Links to opportunities will be added as they become available.
| Contract | ID | Approximate value* | Invitation to Tender (ITT) Close Date |
Awarded to | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Development, supply, install, commissioning of a haptic training simulator system | 3.4.2 | £130k | Now closed | Generic Robotics | |
| LongOps Next Generation Digital Mock Up | 3.2.3 | £600k | Now closed | 5 contracts awarded in Phase 1
|
|
| LongOps Enhancements to Robot Planning Tools | 3.3.1 | £200k | Now closed | Atkins + UCLC | |
| LongOps Enhanced Control of Flexible Long Reach Manipulators | 3.3.2 | £170k | Now closed | Herobotics | |
| Development of datasets for machine learning | 3.5.1 | £255k | Now closed | Under evaluation | |
| Research and development of novel techniques and technologies for incorporating sensor data into digital twins | 3.5.2 | £240k | Now closed | Under evaluation | |
| Development of low-TRL digital technologies for decommissioning** | SBRI | £1.2 million | Now closed | Under evaluation | |
*accurate values will be included in the Invitations to Tender
**will be advertised through SBRI
LongOps is equally funded by UKRI, TEPCO and the NDA
