[1] As part of the UK Government's Robotics and Autonomous Systems Strategy (RAS) this is one of the initiatives that is supporting development and growth in remote handling.

RACE uses the broad range of expertise from UKAEA and CCFE's past experience in remote handling used on JET (Joint European Torus).

The physical challenges to overcome might include high radiation, extreme temperatures, limited access, operation in vacuum and magnetic fields.

[2] RACE is partnering with industry and academia to use other skills in robotics and remote handling to develop solutions that work reliably, safely and cost effectively in the most extreme environments imaginable.

Bombardment by high-energy neutrons produced in the nuclear fusion reactions are able to activate some components and support structures, rendering them radioactive for long periods of time.

Two 12m long snake-like booms reach into the vacuum vessel delivering cameras and tools to enable operators to work remotely.

The cell has no windows, so operators sat in adjacent rooms will use multiple cameras to control the various handling and size reduction processes.

JET, ITER, DEMO and ESS are examples of complex systems reliant on efficient, collaborative operation of multiple robotic devices.

This addresses the perennial problem of obsolescence and rapidly changing networks and it also enables software tools, including user interfaces, to access and control the full range of hardware devices and sensors.

Autonomous vehicles may also change where people live and work and will affect the design of transport systems, our homes, towns and cities.

With such a far-reaching new technology it is essential to establish comprehensive test facilities that allow interested stakeholders to explore the technical, commercial, ethical, legal and social issues.

RACE is also part of the DRIVEN consortium which is developing a fleet of six vehicles which will drive autonomously (with an onboard safety driver) from Oxford to London in 2019.

Standards have been developed to measure remote systems’ mobility, sensors, energy consumption, communications, dexterity, durability, reliability, logistics, safety, autonomy, and operator proficiency.

These methods will help robotics developers evaluate performance against user needs, help guide purchasing and deployment decisions, and provide focused training for operators.