Remote Operations in Challenging Environments Training Course
1–4 Sept 2025
UKAEA – RACE
This new 4-day in-person training course aims to provide managers, designers and operators with a broad view of the Remote Operations specialism.
What does it take to maintain or decommission a plant using remotely operated robots and cameras?
This course aims to provide managers, designers and operators with a broad view of the Remote Operations specialism including:
- Design and specification of remotely operated equipment.
- Rules for tool design.
- Software infrastructure must-haves for efficiency, safety and accountability.
- Risk reduction measures in high consequence environments.
- Building a remote operations team: people, processes and culture.
- Plant design considerations.
Who this course is for?
This course is designed for professionals involved in strategy, design and operations from organisations:
- at the concept design stage, seeking to understand how to ‘design for remote’ and its impact on commercial viability.
- without remote operations experience, needing to learn how to develop a functioning system and build a successful team.
- aiming to operate “safer, faster, more cost‑effectively”, looking to introduce human-in-the-loop remote operations.
- looking to upskill their workforce in remote operations while leveraging existing remote infrastructure and facilities.
Our Approach
Interactive and engaging courses: discussions and hands-on sessions reinforce the core principles.
Use of industry-leading robotic equipment at RACE for firsthand experience.
Universal application of principles: While the principles taught have been developed in the fusion sector, they are relevant to any environment where remote equipment is used and mistakes could be costly.
Remote Handling at UKAEA
RACE is the UKAEA’s centre for Remote Applications in Challenging Environments. Its Remote Handling Team has been remotely maintaining the Joint European Torus (JET), a fusion machine located in Oxfordshire, since the 1980s. Currently, in its decommissioning phase, JET is being stripped from the inside out using teleoperated equipment deployed on robotic booms.
With over 30,000 hours of in-vessel operational experience, RACE provides training and consultancy services to remote handling teams in the UK, the US, Sweden and Fukushima in Japan, spanning the fusion, big science and nuclear decommissioning sectors.
Utilising robotics to perform tasks ensures the safety of personnel by keeping them out of hazardous environments, speeds up task completion and reduces costs. Such specialised experience is rare in the industry due to the time required to develop it. Through this course, we aim to share our knowledge and equip professionals across various sectors with the essential skills for remote operations.
Bespoke Requests
Should you wish to discuss booking a bespoke training course with us or if you would like to arrange for this training to be delivered to just your organisation, then please contact us on to discuss this further.
Accommodation
We have arranged a discounted rate with one of the local hotels if you require accommodation during the duration of this training course.
The Hilton Garden Inn
Marcham Road, Abingdon, OX14 1TZ
Room Only: £129.00 per person
Bed & Breakfast: £139.00
Should all the delegates stay at the Hilton Hotel, this would allow for networking in the evening should you wish to do so.
You will receive a discount code to quote when making your reservation with your training course booking confirmation email.
Please click here for google map directions from the hotel to Culham Campus. If you are walking from the hotel to the Stratton Way bus stop to board the 45 bus to Culham Campus, please take not that the walk will take about 20 mins. Please take into considerations traffic problems when planning your journey.
Alternative accommodation options:
- Premier Inn, Abingdon (OX14 1TZ)
Tel: 0300 313 0324 - The Crown & Thistle, Abingdon (OX14 3HS)
Tel: 01235 522 556 - Travelodge, Oxford Abingdon Road (OX1 4XG)
Tel: 0871 559 1877 - VOCO Oxford Spires, Oxford Abingdon Road (OX1 4PS)
Tel: 01865 324324
Getting to Culham Campus
Culham Campus is located near Abingdon, Oxfordshire, and is easily accessible by various modes of transportation:
Here is some information to help you find your way: Getting to Culham.
We encourage you to get here by public transport, such as train. Culham Railway Station is only a few minutes’ walk from Culham Campus’ main entrance. There is a service connection to Oxford, Didcot and London (via Didcot), operated by Great Western Railway. Check it here: https://www.gwr.com/.
Upon arrival to Culham Campus, you will need to check in at the visitor’s reception to obtain your visitor pass and conference pass. Each person MUST bring photo ID to receive a pass. Without photo ID, you WILL NOT be granted access to the site. Please bring with you a valid driving licence (not the paper version) or a passport. The ID you bring with you must have a photo on it or else we cannot accept it.
Visas
Please check the UK Government website to see if you need a visa to attend this conference and if so click the box when registering your interest.
We will send you a visa invitation letter to assist with the process. We recommend you apply for a visa at least 16 weeks ahead of the event.
If you require a conference invitation letter to help secure a visa, please write to stating your full name, organisation and nationality as on your passport.
Remote Operations in Challenging Environments Training Course