Autonomous Transport System

Concepts

• research and development
• risley
• autonomous transport system
• an autonomous transport system
• system
• transport
• transported
• autonomous
• experimental
• daily package journeys

Location

Risley

Description

National Nuclear Laboratory ("NNL") intends to award a contract to Digital Concepts Engineering Ltd who will further develop the concept for an Autonomous Transport System (DCE ATS) to facilitate daily package journeys across the Sellafield site from legacy stores to new long-term storage facilities.

Total Quantity or Scope

The aim of this proof of concept project is to develope a safe, secure, autonomous transport of waste and product packages. The impact of this technology is to reduce reliance on driver and vehicle availability, reduce planning time, and enhance operational efficiency to ensure that a high volume of packages can be transported over an extended duration.

Award Detail

CPV Codes

• 73100000 - Research and experimental development services

Indicators

• Award on basis of price and quality.

Legal Justification

National Nuclear Laboratory ("NNL") intends to award a contract to Digital Concepts Engineering Ltd who will further develop the concept for an Autonomous Transport System (DCE ATS) to facilitate daily package journeys across the Sellafield site from legacy stores to new long-term storage facilities, as part of the Gamechangers Innovation Programme. Digital Concepts Engineering Ltd has been developing the technology for safe, secure, autonomous transport of waste and product packages and were selected through a response to a Gamechangers Challenge Statement which sought applications for feasibility funding. This was advertised in an Early Engagement Notice via Contracts Finder on 23rd October 2023 (https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/notice/bc6a4dd3-e366-4aca-8124-1ec9d7...) and published via (https://www.gamechangers.technology/challenge/Autonomous_Transportation_of_Nucle...) Following all supplier applications for feasibility funding for the above project, Digital Concepts Engineering Ltd were selected as a successful supplier by the funders (Sellafield Ltd). An initial £10,000 of feasibility funding was provided in January 2024, which supported Digital Concepts Engineering Ltd to: • Create a Business Case for • Generate of a Project Plan for • milestones and funding requirements The output of this feasibility study was then further evaluated by Sellafield Ltd and Digital Concept Engineering Ltd have been selected for additional funding for the Proof-of-Concept phase of this project, which will enable them to further develop this concept and technology further. This additional funding to support technology development is due to be awarded following the expiry of this VEAT notice. Gamechangers is an innovation programme which finds solutions for complex nuclear industry challenges and allows the supplier to retain ownership of the Intellectual Property throughout the advancement of technology readiness level. They accept applications and work with all sizes and across all sectors to identify and develop the most promising of technology. Suppliers who have an idea which might be of interest, please follow the below link to the Gamechangers Technology challenge website for further information or to explore Challenges that may be of interest. Delivering innovation in the nuclear industry (https://www.gamechangers.technology/)