Autonomous Robotic Inspection Platform
The Innovation Exchange (iX) programme is supporting Rolls-Royce SMR Ltd in identifying a highly autonomous robotic platform, such as a quadruped, a drone, or a mix of both, capable of carrying out repeatable plant inspections within the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) environment. The solution should be able to navigate complex, human-designed spaces, automatically read analogue gauges, detect thermal, vibration and acoustic anomalies, perform visual inspections, reliably repeat inspection routes with minimal operator input, and capture, compare and centrally report data. The goal is to reduce human risk in hazardous environments, particularly during initial entry, while maximising data collection through automation.
Opportunity
Challenge opens
23/03/2026
Challenge closes
04/05/2026
Benefit
Selected solution holders will gain the opportunity to pilot their technology with Rolls-Royce SMR in a high-value, real-world nuclear application, demonstrating impact through reduced outage costs, improved inspection efficiency, and enhanced safety outcomes. Successful trials could lead to further adoption across a future global fleet of SMR power stations, offering long-term commercial potential over a 60-year plant lifecycle.
Background
Rolls-Royce SMR Ltd (RR-SMR) aims to deploy a fleet of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) power stations worldwide. A key feature of the programme is shifting most of the testing, fabrication, and assembly into a controlled factory manufacturing environment.
Each RR-SMR power plant will be assembled from a standard kit of transportable modules – grouped into three main categories:
a) Modularised Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing systems (MEP Modules)
b) Modularised civil engineering structure, and
c) Major reactor and power plant equipment
MEP modules will be produced and tested in RR-SMR’s manufacturing facility. Structural steel frames will be populated with the pipes, pumps, tanks, valves, electrical, control and instrumentation equipment which make up the reactor’s operating and safety systems. Some of the buildings’ internal structures such as walls, walkways and staircases will also be integrated into these modules, to optimised plant layout.
The next-generation plant is designed to maximise operational efficiency and safety, but current inspection approaches still rely heavily on:
- Manual operator walkdowns
- Fixed sensor installations
- Planned outage inspection campaigns
RR-SMR aims to introduce robotic inspection systems that can:
- Operate within plant access routes designed for humans
- Perform repeatable, multi-modal inspections
- Generate structured, centralised digital inspection records
- Reduce operator dependency and manual intervention
- Improve predictive maintenance capability
Potential value:
- Meeting maintenance requirements within the planned 18-day refuelling outage window (planned every 18 months). Any extension beyond this window could result in ~£1M per day revenue loss
- Reduced reliance on additional sensor infrastructure across the plant
Additional benefits include:
- Reduced operational risk
- Improved health and safety
- Reduced human exposure
- Lower PPE requirements
- Improved working environment through remote operations
The challenge therefore focuses on improving the operation and maintenance of MEP modules, while also exploring broader applications of robotic inspection technologies across the plant.
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