Reliability and radiation tolerance of robots for nuclear applictions

The reliability of a robot for nuclear applications will be affected by environmental factors such as dust, water, vibrations, heat, and, in particular, ionising, radiation. The present report decribes the work carried out in a project addressing the relaibility and radiaition tolerance of such robots.A widely representative range of components and materials have been radiation tested and the test results has been collated in a database along with data provided by the participants from earlier work and data acquired from other source, a radiation effects guide has been written for the use by designers of electronic equipment for robots. A generic reliability model has been set up together wit generic failure strategies, forming the basis for specific reliability for the prediction of the performance of electronic circuits subjected to radiation. Reports have been produced dealing with the prediction and detection of upcoming failures in electronic systems.Operational experience from the use of robots in radiation work in various contexts has been complied in a report, and another report has been written on cost/benefit considerations about the use of robots. Also the prossible impact on the safety of the surrounding plant has been considered and reported.