June 12, 2024
FIRMA Engineering Ltd, celebrates a major achievement with the announcement of a commercial contract for the supply of a remote deployment device. Developed with funding and support from Game Changers over a period of 4 years, the first order for the technology known as FIRMArm has been placed by Sellafield Ltd for use across the estate starting in 2025 partnering with National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) who will be the prime on-site operator
The FIRMArm success story exemplifies the FIRMA’s commitment to the development and commercialisation of novel solutions that tackle complex challenges in nuclear decommissioning.
Following many years working in the aerospace and R&D sector, FIRMA Engineering had already begun addressing challenges in the nuclear industry when they attended a Game Changers Robotics and AI event in 2019. Inspired by the working-at-heights challenge launched at the event, the company developed the concept for the FIRMArm solution on the spot, swiftly following up with a funding application complete with sketches and 3D models.
After successfully being awarded feasibility funding, the first deployment prototype was designed. Sellafield challenge owners were sufficiently impressed to award further funding to enable extensive development and testing, culminating in an inactive demonstration which took place at NNL, Workington. The success of the demonstration led to the project gaining further momentum with additional funding awarded to facilitate an active demonstration on the Sellafield site in 2022.
The FIRMArm, or Flexible Interchangeable Reconfigurable Mechanical Arm, is as a modular equipment deployment device capable of delivering payloads weighing up to 18kg to challenging and otherwise inaccessible areas. The current design boasts a remarkable range of up to 10m from the entry point, the FIRMArm supports various end effectors for diverse tasks, including cameras, sensors, and sampling equipment. The system has undergone successful testing with effectors developed by fellow SME’s.
Sellafield Ltd plans to deploy the FIRMArm onsite, with ongoing supervision and maintenance by the FIRMA team and their deployment partner NNL, ensuring continual development and upkeep of the revolutionary system.
FIRMA Engineering is already exploring derivatives of the FIRMArm, focusing on the deployment to a significantly greater depth, (FIRMArm Deep Hole), which will allow the inspection and maintenance of a wider variety of nuclear facilities.
Sellafield’s Challenge Programmes welcome innovators with ideas, prototypes, or proven technologies relevant to nuclear industry challenges. Applicants gain direct access to challenge owners from major players like Sellafield, supported by a dedicated team of innovation experts aiming to maximize groundbreaking innovations for nuclear site deployment and commercial success.
