VTT and Tampere University of Technology are responsible for the development of remote maintenance systems for the ITER energy project.
Experience using full-scale test equipment has been positive, and the work continues.
Fusion energy research is about to enter a new phase with the global ITER project - the goal is to prove that fusion is a technically sound and economically viable energy source.
Developing the maintenance systems for the most critical components of the fusion plant to be built in France is the responsibility of VTT and TUT.
Mikko Siuko, acting research professor from VTT and director of the DTP2 (Divertor Test Platform) project, said: 'Thus far, we have been able to use a transport robot to move a 10-tonne reactor element (cassette) along a desired route at an accuracy of around +/- 1mm, and position the cassette in the reactor at a similar level of accuracy.
'Mechanical flexing in various situations can be compensated so well by the controls that a +/- 1mm accuracy is achievable.
'The flexing can also be displayed to the operator using a virtual model that matches reality.
'Testing the maintenance work is still in its early stages, and many demanding work phases remain to be tested.
'The operation is currently being tested on so-called basic cases, after which various possible error situations that could occur in reality will be introduced in stages.
'The experience gained from the system developed thus far allows us to continue on our chosen path with confidence,' Siuko added.
In the future, the test platform will be expanded, and more work phases and equipment will be included.
The system will be expanded with, for example, a transport robot travelling on a circular track inside the reactor.
The expansion also allows the addition of various manipulation and connection tasks, and pipe and structural welding.
