Robotics and Remote Systems

Proven Experience

WESTON personnel and WESTON’s robotic systems have participated in numerous remediation projects, including the excavation of radioactive and explosive landfills, the sampling of 55-gallon drums, and the retrieval and handling of hazardous objects such as unexploded ordnance, compressed gas bottles, and unknown radioactive-contaminated objects. Remedial operations, such as the remote handling of objects and dexterous manipulation of tools, are the types of tasks that our remote robotic systems are exceptionally suited for.

Los Alamos National Laboratory, Clean Closure of Material Disposal Area P (MDA-P). WESTON developed the Hybrid Remote Robotic Manipulation and Excavation System (HERMES), a computer-controlled, remotely-operated 65,000 lb. hydraulic excavator to perform all initial excavation operations at MDA-P. MDA-P operated from 1950 to 1984 and received materials from the burning of high explosives (HE), HE-contaminated equipment and material, barium nitrate, construction debris, trash, vehicles, empty drums, and miscellaneous containters. WESTON deployed HERMES to mitigate detonation danger during the landfill execution. WESTON, through the use of HERMES, remotely excavated 31,000 yd 3 of explosive-contaminated soil, including 607 tons of steel, over a period of 23 months.

Sandia National Laboratory. WESTON deployed a remote robotic manipulation and excavation system for characterization and retrieval of buried chemicals, explosives, and radioactive materials that were discovered during the clean-up operations within Sandia National Laboratory’s Technical Area Two (TA-II). This robotic system allowed the excavator to accomplish conventional operations, such as removal of overburden and rubble in the landfills, while employing the versatility and dexterity of the robotic manipulator to address any sensitive objects once they had been uncovered, without placing personnel in direct contact with the hazard.

Sandia National Laboratory’s Historical Radioactive and Mixed Waste Disposal Request Validation and Disposal Project (HDRV). WESTON was contracted to develop, deploy, and operate a remote robotic system capable of drilling, cutting, and manipulating 34 unknown radioactive-contaminated cylindrical objects. WESTON developed the robotic system in 1 week.

Savanna Army Depot, IL. WESTON was contracted to remotely sample each distinct solid and liquid component in twenty-two 55-gallon drums containing explosive waste material for sensitivity analysis by an on-site laboratory. WESTON staff developed a self-contained robotic system capable of operations in a remote, unsupported location to prepare for the Lead Azide Sludge Waste Characterization project.

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. WESTON utilized remote-controlled and teleoperated equipment to install a permeable cap over Old O-Field, which was contaminated with a variety of unstable munitions. This cap protects human health and the environment by preventing ordnance exposure and minimizing shock impulses caused by air flowing to the surface. WESTON robotic systems staff provided technical services to aid in the development of a QA/QC Plan for operation of teleoperated equipment. Prior to the beginning of operations, the robotic group staff also supported project operations by identifying and developing corrective actions to improve the operation of third-party remote equipment developed for the project.