The robot, called Lyra, is one example of a mobile robotic platforms designed by The University of Manchester for inspecting hazardous environments and is a groundbreaking invention that can change how people live, work, and think about what is possible.
Lyra was built by researchers at The University of Manchester, working within the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Nuclear (RAIN) Hub and with considerable guidance from technical and operations staff at Dounreay Site Remediation Ltd (DSRL). The technology is commercially available through Ice Nine Ltd, a spin-out from the University.
In April, Lyra completed a survey of a radioactive ventilation duct below a disused laboratory at the Dounreay nuclear complex. It also used Lidar, a detection system similar to radar but which uses lasers, and took swabs using a manipulator arm.
The robot traversed 140m of duct from a single entry point. It provided operators with detailed radiological characterisation information that can now be used to help plan safe and efficient laboratory decommissioning.
Lyra was awarded Best Invention in 2022 by Time Magazine.
