Digital tools and infrastructure
Developing an in-house suite of software for performing remote tasks using robotics in challenging environments.
RHOVR: Remote Handling Operations Virtual Reality
RHOVR is RACE’s in-house VR software, used to visualise digital twin mock-ups of tasks, from routine maintenance procedures to complex one-off operations. It lowers risks associated with remote handling by enabling engineers and operators to plan, and interrogate tasks in a virtual environment.
RHOVR can display the live position of real hardware in a virtual environment, alongside other metrics like temperature, stress on joints and estimations of radiation damage.
OMS: Operations Management System
OMS replaces paper-based planning with a digital alternative.
OMS brings together process flows and asset tracking into a single piece of software, allowing teams to define detailed instructions for each planned remote handling task, with a log of activity recorded.
OMS is in daily use for remote handling at JET for the Decommissioning and Repurposing programme.
CorteX
Within robotics, we need a software platform that can adapt to new challenges, new user requirements and new advances in technology. To meet these requirements, RACE has created CorteX, a robotics communication and control platform for remote operations in fusion and beyond.
A software framework for interoperable robotics solutions, it has been designed around five key principles:
- Reusability
- Extensibility
- Modularity
- Standardisation
- Integrated user interfaces
RACE Programmes
RACE is engineering the freedom to operate in challenging environments. To achieve our fusion engineering goals, we work internationally with end users, industry supply chains and academia.
Collaborating with leading academic institutions and innovative organisations to identify and develop new fusion-relevant robotics.
Ensuring that ITER, the world’s largest fusion experiment, can be remotely maintained.
Solving shared nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering challenges by accelerating deployment of robotics and AI.
