Rescue Robot for Disaster Recovery Developed

A remotely-operated rescue robot to help disaster recovery in hazardous industrial environments has been developed by pioneering firm Forth.

How Forth’s robot aids rescue efforts

Forth, based in the UK, developed the rescue robot for Sellafield nuclear site in Cumbria, in the event of an incident not safe for humans, the robot can be sent in and operated remotely safely. The robot is built on a 1.6 tonne JCB compact excavator platform, specially adapted to withstand conditions in hazardous environments, and fitted with robotic systems and wireless technology as well as cameras and lights.

The robot has the ability to tow a trailer with a fitted hopper that can disperse sand to contain spillages, it also has an affixative spraying system to contain nuclear spillage. It also possesses a large grappling hook to move any obstruction the robot may come across.

A specialist 700bar rescue tool similar to that used by the UK Fire and Rescue Service has also been fitted to the robot so it can cut through hazards in the way of accessing the rescue zone.

A mobile command centre with live video streaming will be towed to within a 150-metre radius of the rescue zone. Previous machines which have been used by Sellafield have needed a tether, this iteration will be the first product with true wireless and remote operation.

Mark Telford, managing directed or Forth said “This is a first for Sellafield to have this type of remotely-operated rescue robot. It is important for operators like Sellafield to plan for different scenarios and we are proud to have come up with such an innovative solution. We can adapt this technology for any industry or any organisation which would benefit from a rescue robot helping keep humans safe. We have developed this 1.6-tonne robot because it was what was required for this particular task. But we could develop a product of any size – it could be 10-tonnes, for example, if that was what was needed – and fitted with any type of tools for a range of tasks.”

He also spoke on the necessity and versatility of the remote operation and minimised risk to the people on-site, he said that this robot was developed for Sellafield but they are open to working with other organisations.

He also said “As a company we specialise in taking problem statements from clients, often involving protecting operators by distancing them from the workface. We develop new methods using new tech which provides a solution and allows the client to do what was previously not considered possible.”

“When we have developed that technology – such as in this case for Sellafield – we want to use that learning and apply it to other solutions for other organisations across a range of different industries. We very much welcome organisations getting in touch with us and letting us know their problems so we can see if we can provide a solution.”

An intelligent underwater autonomous survey robot with sonar technology to detect obstacles to be used near critical infrastructure was showcased in a live demonstration at Forth’s headquarters.

For more information on their products and services, check out their website.