A UK project is developing two breakthrough technologies for remote maintenance in fusion energy engineering. As part of the Fusion Futures (FF) programme, the UK Atomic Energy Authority's Remote Applications in Challenging Environments (RACE) facility is collaborating with industry leaders to advance these innovations.
The programme aims to drive world-leading innovation through international collaboration and the development of future fusion power plants while enhancing broader industrial capabilities. Multiple companies are refining UKAEA concepts, delivering practical solutions that increase operational autonomy and reduce the maintenance burden in extreme environments.
Carl Jones, Director of M5TEC, stated that the accumulated knowledge and skills from the project enable the team to better support the fusion industry. A deeper understanding of fusion-specific challenges will allow engineers to serve the sector more effectively and drive its continued growth.
M5TEC has developed a 10MGy total integrated dose actuator suite — a radiation-hardened actuator system capable of reliable operation in extreme fusion environments, overcoming the effects of high radiation on mechanical components and polymer materials. This innovation enables longer autonomous operating periods by shortening maintenance intervals, representing a key step toward higher productivity and expected to play a critical role in the UK's fusion efforts.
Bart de Jong, Project Manager at DEMCON High Tech Systems, said that close collaboration with partners including UKAEA and DEMCON ensured timely delivery of design, hardware, and radiation testing, meeting tight deadlines. DEMCON has developed a 1MGy total integrated dose analog-to-digital multiplexer — a radiation-resistant device that converts analog signals to digital directly on remote machines, enabling stable signal transmission in high-radiation environments while reducing remote system cabling by 60% and simplifying complex robotic architectures.
The UK Atomic Energy Authority states that these advances extend fusion power plant uptime and expand the knowledge and capability of the UK fusion supply chain. As part of the Fusion Futures programme, RACE is currently pursuing further innovations to reduce the cost and complexity of designing, installing, and maintaining future fusion power stations. The project aims to sustain the UK's leadership in fusion research, seek mutually beneficial international partnerships, and maintain global technological leadership in fusion through domestic capability, while building a strong UK industrial sector that will lead the world in fusion energy operation and commercialization.
