Nuclear Robotics and Digital Twins

The Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Nuclear (RAIN) Hub and the Robotics in Nuclear Environments (RNE) Programmes, led by the University of Manchester and its collaborators, focused on developing advanced robotic systems for nuclear facilities. The project aimed to create safer alternatives for human inspections during decommissioning through robotic platforms equipped with cutting-edge technologies like Human-Robot Interfaces (HRI) and 3D Digital Twins. These systems enabled remote robot control, advanced simulation, and real-time sensor data visualisation, providing critical tools for the nuclear industry.

As a postdoctoral researcher, I contributed to the development and integration of advanced simulation environments for digital twins. I led efforts to integrate real-world data from robotic sensors, including LiDAR, radiation, and thermal data, into platforms such as ROS-Gazebo and Unity. I also developed software pipelines for real-time updates and explored multi-user interfaces to enhance usability. Additionally, I improved the visualisation of sensor data in the digital twin and worked closely with researchers. My work included implementing cloud-based systems for remote collaboration and providing Agile project management support as part of the team.