The largest nuclear clean-up and demolition project in Scotland might benefit from a team of robotic "dogs.".
Dounreay, which is close to Thurso on the north Caithness coast, is currently being shut down and decommissioned.
On trials of a robotic quadriplegic named Spot for potential use in hazardous areas, the site is collaborating with Cumbria-based Createc.
The trials may eventually result in the addition of more robots at the nuclear power complex.
The robot Spot from Boston Dynamics can traverse uneven terrain, climb stairs, and avoid obstacles.
The use of the robots for surveying hazardous working environments may result from trials currently taking place at Dounreay, the UK's hub for fast reactor research and development from 1955 to 1994.
Employees at the nuclear plant will receive instruction on how to operate the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) over the course of the following 12 months from a Createc employee based in Cockermouth.
As part of one of the planned trials, Spot will perform an exterior survey of Dounreay's facilities using 3D laser scanning.
"Spot is not just a gimmick, it's a useful tool that we can use to survey and monitor in areas where people should not or cannot go," project manager Heather Fairweather said.
"In order to make the most of the ROV, we are looking into every possible use for it. ".
"I think this is the way forward," she continued, "where operators can reduce their dose rates and still complete the task. It is meant to aid operators rather than to replace them. ".
The trials' funding is being provided by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
Robots have been used at Dounreay before, including during the demolition of a site connected to the country's first operational reactor to reach criticality more than 60 years ago.
The condition of a pipeline that once carried radioactive effluent was examined using another tool, dubbed a "high-tech worm.".
Dounreay is currently undergoing closure, demolition, and cleanup.
Before the 148-acre site is safe for reuse, according to the NDA, it may take 2333.
