"Get a grip" has taken on new meaning at the University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR). The university's senior design robotics team is testing a new procedure using a Dortronics Mini-Mite 300 Magnetic Lock mounted on a robotic arm to lift radioactive control rods out of the facility's nuclear reactor pool for inspection. Since the control rods are magnetic, Dortronics Mini-Mite 300, fitted to the robotic arm, is being employed as a form of robotic gripper.

"Specialized robotic grippers can be very costly, and their implementation can be quite complicated," said Brian Porter, senior electronics technician with the UMR Nuclear Reactor Facility. "In looking for a better alternative, the design team analyzed several different possible systems/methods and this research led us to Dortronics' Mini-Mite 300 because of its compactness and superior strength."

The Mini-Mite 300 used at UMR is capable of providing 300 lb of holding force and has no moving parts to wear, stick, or bind. The unusual application doesn't surprise John FitzPatrick, vice president of Dortronics Systems, Inc.

"Although the company is known primarily for its security and door control hardware, the user profile for our electromagnetic locks is constantly being redefined because of their capabilities and outstanding reputation," he said. In addition to the preassembled Mini-Mite 300 and 300N, FitzPatrick added, Dortronics customizes electromagnetic locks in virtually any size or configuration, with holding strengths ranging from 25-1,500 lb.

When approached about the unusual application, Dortronics was very receptive, according to Porter, and showed a special interest from the first phone call.

"We have been very impressed," he said. "Dortronics has responded in a speedy and professional manner, both by phone and by email." With regard to how the Mini-Mite 300 would comply with the project budget and time restraints, Porter could not have been more satisfied. "As with most design teams, we have limited time and funding but believe with the successful implementation of an electromagnetic gripper, we can complete phase one of our robotic project on time and within budget."

UMR's 200 kW nuclear reactor is used primarily for research and training programs affiliated with the university, along with hosting Missouri high school science classes under the Reactor Sharing Program. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art detection instruments and associated electronics for neutron activation analysis, and is protected by a sophisticated, multi-genre integrated security system including biometrics, hardware, and software.

Dortronics believes the experiment at UMR may lead other nuclear reactor facilities and other users of robotic devices to consider similar procedures. "It wouldn't be the first time we have seen momentum develop from a unique application," said FitzPatrick. "Robotics is quickly becoming a mainstream technology in the industrial sector and because our electromagnets can be universally controlled, it makes the utilization easier and more effective."