# Episode Five - Robots for hazardous environments: into the extremes

- Show: [Robot Talk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk)
- Published: 2021-02-26
- Length: 27m
- Episode: 5
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2021-02-26-episode-five-robots-for-hazardous-environments-into-the-extremes
- Listen: https://ukrobotics.libsyn.com/episode-five-robots-for-hazardous-environments-into-the-extremes

## Summary

Dr. Simon Watson of the University of Manchester and Jonathon Witty of the UK Atomic Energy Authority discuss robotics in hazardous environments. Watson details the design of the Evexis and Mirax robots for nuclear decommissioning at sites like Sellafield and Fukushima, focusing on localization challenges in confined, turbid spaces. Witty explains the MASCOT teleoperated robotic system used for maintenance inside the JET fusion reactor, highlighting the complexities of haptic feedback and operator training.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2021-02-26-episode-five-robots-for-hazardous-environments-into-the-extremes#t=7) Introduction: Robots for hazardous environments
- [1:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2021-02-26-episode-five-robots-for-hazardous-environments-into-the-extremes#t=61) Dr. Simon Watson on nuclear and offshore robotics
- [2:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2021-02-26-episode-five-robots-for-hazardous-environments-into-the-extremes#t=128) Localization challenges in underwater and confined spaces
- [4:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2021-02-26-episode-five-robots-for-hazardous-environments-into-the-extremes#t=286) The Evexis and Mirax robots for nuclear decommissioning
- [13:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2021-02-26-episode-five-robots-for-hazardous-environments-into-the-extremes#t=799) Prometheus project: Reconfigurable drones for mine exploration
- [16:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2021-02-26-episode-five-robots-for-hazardous-environments-into-the-extremes#t=974) Jonathon Witty on the JET fusion reactor environment
- [18:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2021-02-26-episode-five-robots-for-hazardous-environments-into-the-extremes#t=1125) MASCOT teleoperated system and haptic feedback
- [23:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2021-02-26-episode-five-robots-for-hazardous-environments-into-the-extremes#t=1427) Future improvements: VR, digital twins, and sensor integration

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies, companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- University of Manchester (company)
- UK Atomic Energy Authority (company)
- Sellafield (other)
- Fukushima (other)
- Evexis (product)
- Mirax (product)
- MASCOT (product)
- JET (product)
- Headlight AI (company)
- Prometheus (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Decommissioning chemical missiles with robots](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2021-11-04-decommissioning-chemical-missiles-with-robots) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [377: Robot at the Park](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-06-17-377-robot-at-the-park) (Embedded.fm)
- [Autonomous Navigation in GPS-Denied Environments with Ben Williams, COO at Exyn Technologies](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2023-10-26-autonomous-navigation-in-gps-denied-environments-with-ben-williams-coo-at-exyn-t) (Over the Air)
- [Re-skilling coal miners; Jibo returns; Perseverance Rover heads for Mars](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2020-07-29-re-skilling-coal-miners-jibo-returns-perseverance-rover-heads-for-mars) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [490: Wait Until Physics Has Happened](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-11-28-490-wait-until-physics-has-happened) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

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