+

International Workshop on the Use of Robotic Technologies at Nuclear Facilities

Session1: Demonstration of Databases. From Problem Definition to Available Robotic Technologies. February 2 2016. Ian E Seed, Laurie Judd, John Ritter, Andy Szilagyi, Paula James.

+Agenda

Robotics Database Demonstration [15’]

Case Study [20’]

Benefits and Summary [5’]

Questions [10’]

+The need for a database

Speed of innovation in robotics increasing. Reports, articles, technical papers etc are out of date

by the time they’re published. Database provides almost real-time updates.

Immediate.

Reports are structured from a single perspective. Users access information from multiple perspectives. Database has many ways of filtering and searching.

+Our Approach

Wide Coverage. Industry wide Domestic and International. Look beyond Nuclear into other industries. Operational Experience / Maturity (TRL).

Not just a database of technologies. Structured around a systematic approach to

problem solving. Functional Analysis and Triz. Collaborative. Immersive brainstorming.

+One part of a systematic approach

‘Define’ – Problem Definition.

‘Explore’ – Ideas Generation. Immersive brainstorming

‘Select’ – Evaluation of Alternatives.

Process can be done by anyone, at any level, formally or informally. Best results require training, practice and experience.

+Ideas Catalog Overview

Multiple catalogs, similar structure. Overview, Categorization, Notes, Operational

Experience, Attachments.

Key Features: Filter by Site or Manufacturer. Filter by technology and maturity. Search on names or use a Wizard. Save ideas onto walls. Share with others. Create options.

+Ideas Catalog Content

Public Domain material only. Does not include security or commercially sensitive

information. Sources of information cited. New content and improvements to existing content

added daily.

Totally objective. Not a sales pitch for Vendors. Unproven superlatives removed. No promotion, advertising or influence.

+Case Study – Waste Retrieval

+Problem Definition

Facilitated workshop. Multi-disciplinary participants.

+Problem Definition

“Need a way to retrieve waste from silos”

+Problem Definition

Actually several problems Problem #1: How can we access the top of the

silos? Problem #2: Once there, how do we cut a hole? Problem #3: How do we attach a riser? Problem #4: How do we retrieve the contents?

Focus on one thing at a time. How can we access the top of the silos? Follow same process for each: 5Ws+H.

+Idea Generation/Immersive Brainstorming

+Idea Generation

“What already exists that might be applicable?”

+Initial Ideas - Problem #1

“Consider long reach manipulators, telescopic masts, etc.”

+Problem #1 is challenging“How can we access the top of the silos?

None of the ideas were convincing. Very long way down (>40-50 feet). Spaghetti of installed pipework. Lots of silos to access (over 40).

Redefine the problem. Use Triz to look at the contradictions.

+Technical Contradictions

+Solve the contradictionSegmentation, Anti-Weight, Dynamics

+Several potential solutions

Tensile Truss / Flexible crane. Create support system underneath floor.

Cantilevers / Temporary supports. Bolt a support system to the walls.

Retractable / Movable Floor. Make a floor for the top of the silos.

+Concept Design #1“Create a new floor”

Create a new floor.

Grout filled around silos.

Create space (remote cutting of pipes).

Attach riser and then drill hole into top of silo

Remove the waste.

+Concept Design #1“Create space”. Problem #2.

Create a new floor.

Grout filled around silos.

Create space (remote cutting of pipes).

Attach riser and then drill hole into top of silo

Remove the waste.

+Concept Design #1“Create space”. Problem #3.

Create a new floor.

Grout filled around silos.

Create space (remote cutting of pipes).

Attach riser and then drill hole into top of silo

Remove the waste.

+Concept Design #1“Create space”. Problem #4.

Create a new floor.

Grout filled around silos.

Create space (remote cutting of pipes).

Attach riser and then drill hole into top of silo

Remove the waste.

+Redefining the problemopens up opportunities

There are multiple technologies available for solving problems #2, #3 and #4 once there is effective access.

Secondary problems still need to be solved. These are supplementary problems as a result of

choosing a particular solution. Important to follow the same process for these. Define the problem first, then Explore solutions.

+Outcome of the Case StudyThe process began with a question.

“How do we retrieve waste from these silos”?

The overall problem was broken down into 4 problems. Each of these were taken through the process. Alternatives were identified and considered. Potential solutions were selected, evaluated and

then a conceptual design report prepared.

+Outcome of the Case StudyA large scale demonstration of elements of

the selected solution is being conducted in 2016.

Process was ~15 months total duration.Time spent on workshops a matter of days.They are the catalyst.

Much quicker, cost effective and technically superior than trying to develop a solution from a blank sheet of paper.

+Benefits of the Database

Looking at existing solutions speeds up process. Wide body of knowledge. Less random and ‘blue skies’ debate. Fact based. What exists and what doesn’t.

It is live and up-to-date. Additions and changes essentially real-time. Features based on problem solving. Functionality and benefits will evolve based on how

it is used.

+Process Recap

Challenge. Use the 5Ws+H to define the problem more clearly.

Ideas Generation. Use the filters, wizard and search to identify potential solutions. Wall. Save those potential solutions to your wall.

Review. Consider the wall. Do the ideas look convincing? If no, redefine the problem. Use Triz for solving contradictions. Technical and Physical Contradictions.

More Ideas. Use Inventive Principles catalog to generate potential solutions. Refine the ideas and add to wall.

Options. For convincing ideas, save to your Options Wall.

Evaluate. Use Smart Decisions Online to select best option. Multi Criteria Analysis. Criteria, Weight, Score, Analysis. Select.

+Summary

Problem Definition (and redefinition) is vital at every stage of the process

Database includes a broad range of potential solutions from multiple industries.

Database is part of a wider systematic process.

Saves the project time and cost. Better quality alternatives. Process is quicker with less rework. Easier to justify and pass Peer Review.

+Try It

www.ideacatalog.net

DOE-EM have free access.

Others can trial by invitation.

Any questions?

+Contacts

Andy Szilagyi (DOE). Andrew.Szilagyi@em.doe.gov

Ian Seed (Cogentus). iseed@cogentus.co.uk

Laurie Judd (Longenecker & Associates). ljudd@longenecker-associates.com

John Ritter (NuVision). ritter@nuvisioneng.com

Paula James (Cogentus). pjames@cogentus.co.uk

+Catalog Subscription

The catalogs / databases are only available on subscription.

Price on Application.

Three typical payment methods: Workshops. We run workshops to solve a problem or problems.

The fee includes the workshop and access to the catalogs for a given number of users for a given length of time.

Research Study. We carry out research on the topic of interest and produce a formal report. The fee includes access to the catalogs for a given number of users for a given length of time.

Subscription Only. The fee includes access to the catalogs for a given number of users for a given length of time.