# Episode 64: Robots for nuclear decommissioning - Rav Chunilal

- Show: [Robot Talk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk)
- Published: 2023-12-01
- Length: 19m
- Episode: 64
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-12-01-episode-64-robots-for-nuclear-decommissioning-rav-chunilal
- Listen: https://ukrobotics.libsyn.com/episode-sixty-four-rav-chunilal

## Summary

Rav Chunilal, Head of Robotics & AI at Sellafield Ltd, discusses the deployment of robotics and AI technologies for the UK's largest nuclear site decommissioning. He explains how Sellafield uses underwater ROVs and quadruped robots to access hazardous, legacy radioactive areas, employing radiation hardening and shielding to protect electronics. The episode highlights the integration of AI strategies, including internal chat models and automated documentation analysis, to improve operational efficiency and decision-making across the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group.

## Chapters

- [0:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-12-01-episode-64-robots-for-nuclear-decommissioning-rav-chunilal#t=8) Introduction: Rav Chunilal and Sellafield's Mission
- [2:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-12-01-episode-64-robots-for-nuclear-decommissioning-rav-chunilal#t=121) Sellafield's 100-Year Plan and Legacy Challenges
- [7:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-12-01-episode-64-robots-for-nuclear-decommissioning-rav-chunilal#t=477) Radiation Hardening and Robot Design
- [10:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-12-01-episode-64-robots-for-nuclear-decommissioning-rav-chunilal#t=648) AI Strategy and Operational Efficiency
- [14:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-12-01-episode-64-robots-for-nuclear-decommissioning-rav-chunilal#t=883) Wireless Communication and Quadruped Deployments
- [15:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2023-12-01-episode-64-robots-for-nuclear-decommissioning-rav-chunilal#t=953) Future Outlook and RECO Partnership

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Wireless & RF](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/wireless-and-rf)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- Sellafield Ltd (company)
- Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (company)
- University of Manchester (company)
- AEA (company)
- RECO (other)

## 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)
- [Nic Radford on developing underwater robots; Celebrating 100 episodes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2022-12-01-nic-radford-on-developing-underwater-robots-celebrating-100-episodes) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [Beyond Manufacturing: AI-Powered Robotics and the Long Tail of Commercial Innovation](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2025-08-15-beyond-manufacturing-ai-powered-robotics-and-the-long-tail-of-commercial-innovat) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [Cleaning America’s 500,000 Toxic Land Sites: The PFAS Breakthrough](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2025-05-22-cleaning-americas-500-000-toxic-land-sites-the-pfas-breakthrough) (Hardware to Save a Planet)

## Citing this page

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