SEATTLE and BABYLON, N.Y., July 16, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Newton Research Labs, Inc., a Seattle based manufacturer of robotics, machine vision and optical automation, and Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. (GPI), a top national engineering and construction services firm, today announced their agreement to develop and market robotic methods to inspect and provide protective coating and other maintenance services for commercial nuclear power plants and Department of Energy nuclear facilities. GPI's wholly-owned subsidiary Underwater Engineering Services, Inc. (UESI) has been providing inspection and maintenance repairs to the nuclear industry for 20 years.
John W. Bramblet, President and CEO of Newton Research Labs, said, "This is another significant step forward in our strategy to grow Newton's business in the nuclear market. This new alliance will combine Newton's portfolio of high performance robotics and machine vision for the utility and nuclear industries together with Greenman-Pedersen, Inc.'s extensive engineering capabilities and UESI's in-depth experience in the nuclear facility maintenance area. Together, we will be able to provide safer inspection and repair processes to support safety-related maintenance procedures at nuclear facilities worldwide."
Steve Greenman, P.E., President/CEO, Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. and Underwater Engineering Services, Inc. said, "We are extremely pleased to combine forces with Newton Labs, a national robotic leader, to apply this technology to areas in the engineering and construction field that reduce exposure to safety related risks for our staff. We will be applying our engineering techniques for inspection and repairs at nuclear power facilities, in environments such as the suppression chamber, reactor vessel, and spent fuel pool. Where we once had divers and construction staff to perform this work, we will now have robots carry out these tasks. We are also looking to other areas in the engineering field where we can apply this technology such as the inspection of bridges and tunnels, both above and below water."
Under the terms of the agreement, the firms will develop and market a robotic approach to engineering and construction tasks heretofore performed by humans. Robots are particularly well suited to performing complex, repetitive tasks in hostile environments. Sophisticated sensing devices and end-effectors make tasks like inspection, data collection, information management, welding and painting routine even under the most adverse conditions. With the recent resurgence in the nuclear power field, many nuclear power plants will require upgrades and innovative maintenance procedures to keep their facilities operating efficiently. In addition to the safety benefits, robots will also help eliminate work hour restrictions and improve productivity and performance. As demonstrated in many other industries, when properly deployed, robots have been shown to reduce both cost and timeframe. Charlie Vallance, UESI's Vice President and Director of Nuclear Operations notes, "An added benefit to the nuclear industry will be a significant reduction in radiation exposure to workers. For example, the recoating of a reactor suppression chamber can result in a total accumulated personnel exposure of more than 100 REM; utilizing robots has the potential to reduce this to as little as 5 REM. This is a tremendous safety improvement for our staff."
Newton Research Labs, Inc. -- Seattle-based Newton Research Labs, Inc. is a privately held manufacturer of machine vision, robotics and optical automation. A spin-off of MIT, the company has for more than 17 years developed and marketed high-performance, computer-driven automation for industrial processes. Newton's products are designed to allow the quality, efficiency and cost effectiveness of robotics and computer technology to replace the human element in virtually every industry. Newton Labs has deployed more that 15,000 robotic, machine vision and automation systems worldwide. Additional information about Newton and its products may be found at www.newtonlabs.com.
Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. (GPI) -- is a 100% Employee owned (ESOP), multi-discipline engineering and construction services firm with offices throughout the eastern and mid-western United States. In business for 43 years, the firm is headquartered in Long Island, New York and employs over 1,000 professionals and technical/construction staff. Ranked within the top 100 national design firms, GPI provides design and construction services to public and private entities, including the utility, transportation and manufacturing industries. Further information on GPI is available at www.gpinet.com
Underwater Engineering Services, Inc. (UESI), GPI's wholly-owned subsidiary located in Port St. Lucie, Florida provides specialized technical services to commercial nuclear power plants worldwide. A unique process for underwater inspection and repair of safety-related coatings in contaminated environments is among the firsts that UESI has introduced to the nuclear industry. Further information on UESI is available at www.uesi.com