Jacobs to manage acquisition of manipulator robots for Windscale lab

Working with Wälischmiller Engineering, Jacobs’ robotics specialists will be responsible for acquiring replacement machines that handle radioactive material for inspection or processing.

Jacobs will also work with Numech, a Cumbria-based engineering company, on the design and manufacture of dedicated liners to provide each of the manipulators with radiation protection in 12 of the facility’s highly radioactive caves.

“Building on 15 years of supporting the NNL mission, this important project will help us continue pushing the boundaries of robotics in nuclear research,” Jacobs’ energy, security & technology senior vice president Karen Wiemelt said in a statement. “With our successful experience in remote handling projects, we can deliver facilities that improve NNL’s nuclear research capabilities and support the UK’s energy transition and net zero carbon objectives.”

Remote handling specialists from Wälischmiller and Jacobs will train NNL staff to operate and maintain the new equipment at a purpose-built mock-up in Jacobs’ Engineering and Technology Centre close to the Sellafield site.