JET is the world's largest operation experimental tokamak nuclear fusion reactor.
Bombardment by high-energy neutrons produced in the nuclear fusion reactions are able to activate some components and support structures, rendering them radioactive for long periods of time.
This was most severe after the first DT (Deuterium/Tritium) experiments on JET in 1997.
Furthermore, many plasma facing tiles are covered in beryllium, which, if breathed in as dust, poses a further hazard to anyone working inside the reactor.
Therefore, JET has always placed great emphasis on its Remote Handling, to ensure a maximum of tasks can be carried out fully remotely.

Two 12m long snake-like booms reach into the vacuum vessel delivering cameras and tools to enable operators to work remotely.

The primary tool is MASCOT, a haptic master-slave manipulator, that allows the operator to feel every action from carrying a new component to tightening a bolt.
Nine lengthy shutdowns have been completed that have relied on this system and the operators have become highly skilled at the most dexterous of tasks.

The JET machine is a complex device where the detailed configuration changes as the physics experimental requirements dictate.
The Remote Handling system is required to fulfil two functions:
Repair of any system failure stops the experiment
Modification of torus components for new experiments
Experience shows that Remote Handling interventions achieve higher precision and introduce less impurities than sending people inside the torus as they did in the past.

JET is a seriously challenging environment for robotics: high radiation dose, elevated temperatures, limited access, large complex equipment and some very challenging critical path inspection and maintenance procedures that must be completed reliably and without failure.
JET is the world's largest operation experimental tokamak nuclear fusion reactor. Bombardment by high-energy neutrons produced in the nuclear fusion reactions are able to activate some components and support structures, rendering them radioactive for long periods of time. This was most severe after the first DT (Deuterium/Tritium) experiments on JET in 1997. Furthermore, many plasma facing tiles are covered in beryllium, which, if breathed in as dust, poses a further hazard to anyone working inside the reactor. Therefore, JET has always placed great emphasis on its Remote Handling, to ensure a maximum of tasks can be carried out fully remotely.
Two 12m long snake-like booms reach into the vacuum vessel delivering cameras and tools to enable operators to work remotely.
The primary tool is MASCOT, a haptic master-slave manipulator, that allows the operator to feel every action from carrying a new component to tightening a bolt. Nine lengthy shutdowns have been completed that have relied on this system and the operators have become highly skilled at the most dexterous of tasks.
The JET machine is a complex device where the detailed configuration changes as the physics experimental requirements dictate. The Remote Handling system is required to fulfil two functions:
Repair of any system failure stops the experiment
Modification of torus components for new experiments
Experience shows that Remote Handling interventions achieve higher precision and introduce less impurities than sending people inside the torus as they did in the past.
JET is a seriously challenging environment for robotics: high radiation dose, elevated temperatures, limited access, large complex equipment and some very challenging critical path inspection and maintenance procedures that must be completed reliably and without failure.
RACE (Remote Applications in Challenging Environments)