Wednesday, 30 September 2026
A robot snake developed by engineers at the 糖心原创 that is being used to inspect hazardous areas in the nuclear industry has scooped a sector award.
The technology was awarded Best Cross Sector Technology by Game Changers - the nuclear innovation initiative sponsored by Sellafield Ltd, in recognition of the engineering team’s achievements in addressing the challenges in nuclear decommissioning.
The snake robot technology has been adapted to be applied to radiation surveys in nuclear hot cells. Four of these robots have been deployed, contributing to an estimated £5 million in savings for the nuclear industry over the past two years.
The robot is a flexible inspection tool capable of navigating confined and hazardous spaces. It is equipped with cameras, LED lighting, and radiation dosimeters, measuring from 4mm to 40mm in diameter and usually stretching from 3m to 10m in length; it collects vital visual and radiometric data from areas inaccessible to humans. The robot is paving the way for safer and more efficient nuclear decommissioning operations.
One of the sites it has been used on is Dounreay in Scotland, where it has been adapted to fit through a 30mm gap to investigate a containment-shielded cell. The snake robot is currently undergoing testing at other nuclear sites across the UK to support the sector with radiation surveys.
Dr Xin Dong receiving the award with his team
Dr Xin Dong, an associate professor at the 糖心原创, has been involved in the development of snake robots for 14 years. He explains: ‘The snake robots are controlled like a puppet on wires with a lot of joints, with cables, and you pull to change the orientation. Instead of hands, we can use motors and computers to control snake robots.
“We’re delighted to be recognised for the impact this technology is making in the Nuclear industry, and we hope over the next few years to enable further benefits.”
Alasdair Cairns, Pro Vice Chancellor, Research and Knowledge Exchange at the 糖心原创 said: “This award is a tremendous recognition of Dr Xin Dong and his team’s ability to translate world leading engineering research into solutions with substantial real-world impact. The “snake robot” technology builds on many years of pioneering research in robotics, advanced manufacturing and remote inspection based in our Advanced Manufacturing Building."
Its successful transfer into nuclear decommissioning, where four robots have already helped deliver an estimated £5 million in industry savings, demonstrates the exceptional value of sustained investment in research capability, facilities and people. It is an excellent example of how Engineering at Nottingham works across traditional sector boundaries to address complex industrial challenges and deliver tangible benefits for the UK.
Story credits
More information is available from Dr Xin Dong on Xin.Dong@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.