Regular Article

Robotic system for fragmentation of steam generators (StarGate)

Technical University of Kosice, Letna 9, Kosice 042 00, Slovakia

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Received: 29 March 2025
Received in final form: 27 October 2025
Accepted: 2 January 2026
Published online: 4 March 2026

Abstract

The robotic complex “StarGate” was created in response to a request to design and deliver a device for the Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) V1 in Jaslovské Bohunice for the fragmentation of 12 steam generators. To meet the NPP’s requirements, a transdisciplinary team was assembled, consisting of experts in robotics, cybernetics, machining technologies, materials research, and nuclear energy. The synergy of specialists from all these key fields led to a unique solution with parameters and features that are beyond the current state of the art. The main differentiating parameters compared to the state of the art are as follows:

• Higher production efficiency and work productivity, comparable even to flame cutting (cutting speed of 1.7 mm/s with a wall thickness of 140 mm). The complete fragmentation of a single steam generator (140 tons) took 45 days.

• A higher level of process automation and intelligent optimization.

• Minimal radiation exposure for workers.

• Minimal aerosol generation and reduced spread of contamination to the surrounding environment.

• Shorter fragmentation time, thereby reducing overall costs (The complete fragmentation of a single steam generator (140 tons) took 45 days). According to today’s data, there are almost 100 steam generators in the world awaiting fragmentation and further processing (IAEA).