R and D issues to reach operational level for ITER divertor remote handling equipments

At European level, for many years, many associations have been engaged for R and D work in connection with the development of remote handling (RH) systems for ITER. As ITER construction moves closer, there is a need to look at R and D issues that ITER faces with respect to lessons learned in other fields where hazardous environment requires significant developments in remote technologies as well. The most significant experience within the fusion community took place at Joint European Torus (JET) where remote handling techniques have been developed to a stage that allows in-vessel maintenance work to be carried out fully remotely. JET's RH team developed a methodology and a rational approach that drive their success. French nuclear energy industry has gathered a significant knowledge in the remote handling technology that can be used as guidelines for the development of the future remote handling systems required for ITER. French Nuclear Energy Agency (CEA) has been involved in many situations, where design of new remote handling equipment (RHE) has been required to operate under satisfactory conditions. During decommissioning activities of existing nuclear facilities, remote handling is required in some situation over a broad range. When considering remote operation in future nuclear facilities, design of RH equipment deeply impacts facilities design activities. In order to draw guidelines for the future of ITER and to reach operational level, clear assessment of design life cycle of remote handling equipment appears essential to cope with necessary R and D effort still required