Background
RR SMR aims to deploy a fleet of SMR power stations worldwide. A key feature of the programme is shifting most of the testing, fabrication, and assembly into a controlled factory manufacturing environment.
The goal of this initiative is to reduce human risk in hazardous environments, specifically initial entry and enhance the collection of data through automation as much as possible.
The challenge focuses on improving the operation and maintenance of Modularised Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing systems (MEP Modules), while also exploring broader applications of robotic inspection technologies across the plant.
The challenge
The solution must provide a highly autonomous robotic inspection platform or platforms (e.g. quadruped, drone, or equivalent autonomous system) capable of:
- Perform repeatable inspection routes
- Reading analogue gauges automatically
- Detecting thermal anomalies (e.g. steam leaks, boiler leaks, hotspots)
- Monitoring vibration and noise patterns
- Performing bolt inspections
- Conducting visual inspections (corrosion, coating, surface degradation)
For inspection data management and reporting, the solution must also be capable of:
- Comparing inspection data over time
- Automatically generating inspection reports
- Centralising and structuring inspection data
The solution should minimise the need for additional fixed plant sensors.
RR SMR are open to solution providers targeting TRL 6, as well as those whose systems have only been tested in laboratory or non‑nuclear environments. Solutions should be deployable for field tests within 12 months (around 2027 Q3).
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Entrants to this competition must be:
- Established businesses, academic institutions, start-ups, SMEs, or individual entrepreneurs
- UK based or have the intention to set up a UK base
Applications will be assessed on:
- Relevance to the defined challenge
- Benefit of implementation
- Feasibility/economic viability
- Innovative nature
- Ability to launch in line with expected timescales
- Credibility of applicant company
- Coherence of the proposed business model
- Development potential
- Maturity of the solution
- Suitability for the intended geographic market
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- Launch of the Competition: 23rd March
- Deadline for applications: 4th May
- Selection and notification of finalists: 5th May – 25th May
- Date of Pitch Day: typically 2-4 weeks post selection
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Successful solutions have the potential to support continuous inspection and maintenance activities across future fleet of RR-SMR power stations, operating over an expected 60‑year plant lifetime.
The benefits package for a successful applicant may also include:
- Support from Innovate UK Business Connect
- Support in the development of a prototype or pilot
- Technical support
- Invitation to attend or present at Innovate UK Business Connect events
- A potential business collaboration
- Investor introductions (if investment is required)
- Support if any Innovate or similar competitions are relevant.
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Existing background IP associated with a potential solution will remain with Solution Provider(s). Where any new IP generation is envisaged, it will be subject to the mutual IP agreement of the solution provider(s) and challenge holder.
Any commercial deployment of a transferred solution or newly developed solution, through licensing, joint venture, partnership, or direct investment, will be subject to the commercial agreement between the solution provider(s) and challenge holder.
Where necessary, a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) may be signed to uphold confidentiality in the engagement between the solution provider(s) and challenge holder. (This would be expected to be after company selection, it is suggested that details of IP be not disclosed, focus on the outcomes of the technology proposed).
Innovate UK and Innovate UK Business Connect do not take any share of IP ownership or enter commercial ventures through the iX programme.
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Functional Requirements
The solution must:
- Operate autonomously (not radio-controlled)
- Navigate constrained plant access routes designed for human movement and task execution
- Operate within:
- Minimum clear width: 500 mm
- 2.052 m reduced clearance height in passageways
- Nominal overhead clearance: 2200 mm
- 3.3 m nominal floor-to-floor height
- 1400 mm corridor widths
- Reduced clearance environments where a low-profile or kneeling posture would normally be adopted by a human
- Demonstrate safe coexistence with human operators within the same operating zone
- Not require permanent modification of plant access provisions
- Have indoor operation capability
- Read gauges positioned between 916 mm and 1404 mm from floor level (i.e. knee height and head height of the 99th-percentile adult)
- Provide repeatable route navigation with minimal operator input
- Integrate visual and sensor data
- Enable anomaly detection referencing baseline data
- Provide centralised data capture and automated reporting
Technical Requirements
The solution is required to have some/all of the following:
- Automate analogue gauge reading
- Thermal anomaly detection (e.g. steam/boiler leaks)
- Noise detection and vibration monitoring
- Bolt inspections (tension)
- Visual Inspections: corrosion, coating and other surface inspections
- Repeatable route navigation with minimal operator control
- Centralised data capture and automated reporting
- Anomaly detections with reference to initial scene/data collected (first entry)
- Basic data security and governance
- Data ownership lies with RR-SMR
Applicants do not need to demonstrate all listed capabilities at the point of application. Solutions that credibly address a subset (for example ~50%) of the total functional requirements, particularly where the core capabilities are met, are acceptable and encouraged. Visual inspections would be a prioritised requirement. RR‑SMR recognises that additional functionality may be developed collaboratively during pilot trials and subsequent phases, subject to technical feasibility and value.
Operating Conditions
The solution must:
- Not be pneumatically or hydraulically powered
- Be suitable for decontamination procedures
- Include safe recovery procures in case of failure and avoid uncontrolled dispersal of components[JR1] in this event
- Ideally be radiation tolerant
Radiation tolerance is preferred as we need to understand the level and lifetime of the solution in both high and low dose rate environment (however, RR-SMR can provide support on radiation hardening).
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The application form for this challenge will require applicants to provide company information and answer 3 questions – Idea Summary, Technology Readiness and Intellectual Property – each with a limit of 300 words.
Optionally, up to 3 supporting documents can be attached to the application. We recommend that supporting documents are limited to those which are directly relevant to the application. Please note that applications with no supporting document will not receive any penalty in assessment. Supporting documents which the Assessment Panel deems to be superfluous may be disregarded. Examples of useful additional documents include product images or short specification sheets, slide decks detailing the solution and/or company background, or solution case studies.
We recommend that you complete the application form in Google Chrome as other browsers may have compatibility issues. The application form does not need to be completed in one session and can be saved for future edits. Please ensure that you toggle “Stage Complete” for each section before submission. Note that you will no longer be able to edit your application once you have clicked “Submit Idea” at the bottom of the Summary page.
Innovate UK's application and funding process
If you need more information about how to apply, please read our funding support pages. For additional support, reach out to our team of innovation experts who are ready to help you navigate the application process and maximise your chances of success.
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