Digital tools and infrastructure

Developing an in-house suite of software for performing remote tasks using robotics in challenging environments.
The Operations Management System being used to plan a remote handling task

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, see 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 currently being tested against JET remote handling requirements and has been integrated with CorteX to control TARM.  

Control room screens loaded with CorteX
Control room screens loaded with CorteX

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 5 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.

The Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration for fusion energy, fission decommissioning and beyond.

Keep up to date with what's going on at RACE