UNDERWATER MICRO DIGGER

In order to provide a remote, safe method of sorting and segregating underwater waste in fuel storage ponds, we replaced the electrical components of a JCB 1 tonne Micro Digger with hydraulic running gear to allow for reliable operations in hazardous environments. By adapting the traditional Micro Digger by using our engineering excellence, we were able to conceptualise, build, test and deliver the Underwater Micro Digger in a matter of weeks, which provided the perfect solution for the client, in the first instance Sellafield.

Shark 3

To reduce, sort and segregate waste and debris in fuel storage ponds from a safe distance, Forth produced underwater cropping tool Shark 3. The device has a rotary cropper head which can move 360 degrees, as well as a high resolution camera and robust underwater lighting to allow the operator to understand the environment and make clear decisions about the waste and debris in the nuclear pond. There are numerous opportunities to include end effectors, such as grabbers, saws and infrared cameras.

Avexis Swimming Robot

Forth was commissioned by Sellafield, in collaboration with Manchester University, to find a cost-effective way of carrying out various tasks and providing a clear view of the Magnox Swarf Storage Silos on site. The Avexis Swimming Robot was dropped into an ullage gap of 1m to enter the water in the silo, and was equipped with bumper bars to allow it to push Swarf which had collected behind the silo furniture. With the addition of cutting and removal tools, the Avexis was able to remove large amounts of swarf to provide a rapid, and cheaper, solution to the problem.

A2i2

Forth is in the process of developing an innovative autonomous underwater survey robot, Autonomous Aquatic Inspection and Intervention (A2I2), aimed at saving industries across the world hundreds of millions of pounds each year. A2I2 is an intelligent, tetherless robot fitted with sonar technology to detect and avoid obstacles underwater, and in hazardous environments such as storage ponds on nuclear sites.

Panther

Forth designed and manufactured the Panther Track Robot to be utilised for any solution necessary with the capabilities to adapt to various terrain and change operations being endless. The robot is adaptable by including various end effectors, and is remotely operated by a control panel. This control panel is watertight, airtight, dustproof, chemical resistant and corrosion proof.