Atkins and COVVI to collaborate on robotic hand for nuclear sector

Building on Atkins’ patented work to deploy collaborative robots in the nuclear sector, the two firms will adapt COVVI’s bionic hand, which was originally developed for people with an upper limb difference. The hand, an end effector, will be attached to a robotic arm and enable workers to perform dangerous manipulations remotely, even when a high level of dexterity is required.

The product will be integrated into Atkins’ collaborative robotic solutions in the nuclear sector, including its use in glovebox operations to handle nuclear materials and waste. According to Atkins, teleoperation will reduce the presence of humans in hazardous areas and enable glovebox operations to continue over longer periods of time.

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In a statement, Sam Stephens, head of digital, nuclear at Atkins' parent company SNC-Lavalin, said, “Robotics hold huge potential for the nuclear sector and we expect their use to become increasingly common over the coming decade as the industry seeks to improve safety, increase efficiency and address increasing skills shortages.