Veolia supports UKAEA in Next-Generation Fusion Robotics Research

Veolia’s Nuclear Solutions Business have been awarded a contract to work with the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) through the Fusion Futures Industry Capability (FFIC) programme, to deliver the TR0+ Upgrade Realisation as part of the DEMO Remote Maintenance Test Facility (RMTF).
TR0+ robotic test rig for fusion reactor research / Veolia UKAEA robotics collaboration
TR0+ Upgrade Realisation CAD representation

TR0+ is an upgraded robotic test rig designed to explore how robots handle flexible payloads, a key challenge for future fusion reactors. This upgrade builds on UKAEA’s existing TR0 rig and enables researchers to develop and test novel control algorithms, improving the safety and performance of robotic systems in fusion environments.

Veolia will deliver the TR0+ design into a working test rig, including:
✔️ Integrating an auxiliary robot
✔️ Installing a load transfer rig
✔️ Upgrading the payload handling system

The setup will use a Comau NJ-130-2.6 industrial robotic arm to demonstrate flexible payload handling in a controlled environment. The contract runs until March 2026.

This project builds on our long-standing collaboration with UKAEA and supports next-generation fusion robotics research.

“Veolia’s nuclear solutions expertise in remote handling and automation is crucial in bringing the TR0+ upgrade to life. Their work allows us to advance research in flexible payload handling, providing critical insights for future fusion reactor operations.”
Fanny Fouin
FFIC Programme Manager at UKAEA