Capgemini and Orano launch Hoxo, the first intelligent humanoid robot for the nuclear sector

A Technological Breakthrough in French Nuclear Energy

Unveiled at the Orano Melox School of Trades, Hoxo stands out as the very first humanoid robot specifically designed for the nuclear sector. Equipped with onboard artificial intelligence and sophisticated sensors, it performs complex technical operations, either autonomously or in interaction with human teams. The tests, carried out over four months by Orano Melox engineers, aim to validate the robot's ability to conduct checks on potentially contaminated surfaces or handle small objects. Capgemini management emphasizes that this project embodies the convergence of industrial vision, robotics, and AI, demonstrating an ambition to redefine the codes of human-machine collaboration at sensitive sites. Alexandre Embry, vice president and CTIO of Capgemini, refers to « physical artificial intelligence » as a new performance driver for the nuclear industry.

Industrial and Operational Challenges for Orano and Capgemini

The integration of Hoxo addresses a dual ambition: optimizing safety and operational performance on nuclear sites. With its mobility and precision, the robot aims to assist operators in repetitive or low-value tasks while reducing their exposure to hazardous areas.
As the French nuclear industry gears up for a revival, automation is being gradually incorporated from the design phase of future plants, with dedicated spaces for recharging or battery swapping—an essential development to ensure the operability of robots, as Hoxo currently has a three-hour autonomy. According to Matthieu Rosenberg, head of innovation at Orano Melox, specific modifications are needed to allow these robots to operate continuously. Far from being a gimmick, automation emerges as a strategic focus to enhance the competitiveness of the sector.

Prospects and Limitations of Smart Automation in Nuclear Energy

The deployment of Hoxo is paving the way for a redefinition of the role of human teams in the nuclear industry. Although the robot needs to mature and prove the reliability of its algorithms in real-world conditions, it is ultimately seen as a support to relieve operators of repetitive tasks and delicate interventions. The use of onboard intelligence, disconnected from any network, ensures security against cyber risks, a major concern in the industrial ecosystem. However, robotization necessitates adapting the organization and logistics of sites, with the installation of recharging points and constant monitoring of autonomy capabilities. For investors, the integration of robots like Hoxo is not just about technological innovation: it also questions the very structure of industrial performance and the management of human skills, which are expected to evolve in tandem with these new tools.