The VNE 80 and VNE 90 are low-friction, gas-tight manipulators. They are used in laboratories for post-irradiation tests and in fuel element reprocessing cells. These cells must be hermetically sealed for positive or negative pressure.
The system can be used there:
The telemanipulators have a modular design and consist of four main parts:
All major components are interchangeable across the entire line of manipulators. This makes it possible to disconnect the cold arm, the hot arm, and the extension tube from the feed-through tube as needed. The feed-through tube thus remains in the wall to maintain containment.
Wälischmiller UK specializes in manipulators for the nuclear industry and enjoys an excellent reputation, particularly due to the high reliability and durability of its products. Headquartered at South Marston Park in Swindon, Wiltshire, the company is a division of Wälischmiller (a subsidiary of Cadre Holding). The company offers project planning, design, manufacturing, and installation, as well as a comprehensive spare parts and customer service program for manipulators used in the nuclear industry.
How the VNE-80 and VNE-90 work
Proven remote handling and manipulator systems for the nuclear industry, decommissioning, nuclear medicine and research - with proven reliability and ALARA-oriented design. We supply engineering through to service and maintenance from a single source: sophisticated engineering down to the smallest detail, clear interfaces (mechanical/electrical/control) and lifecycle support with spare parts for 30+ years. The result: plannable projects, excellent products and short distances to your technical contact.
From the initial inquiry to the design—how your equipment is created
Precise motion control for confined spaces
The VNE-80 and VNE-90 manipulators are designed to operate with uncompromising precision even in tight, hot cells. With electrically driven X, Y, and Z movements, operators can preposition the work area before performing the first action inside the cell. This clever presetting turns setup into a controlled, repeatable process and ensures that the cold arm always remains within the operator’s ergonomic reach. The result is a system that reduces the workload, makes processes more efficient, and ensures the highest precision even in safety-critical applications.
Dynamic counterweight: heavy loads feel light
The VNE-90 takes performance to a new level with its Dynamic Balance system - an active load compensation technology that constantly adjusts during lifting. Even at full reach, the manipulator remains perfectly balanced, eliminating the strain usually associated with remote handling. Operators describe it as a „weightless extension of the hand“, enabling precise and delicate tasks, handling up to 30 kg at a horizontal reach of 2.5 m (typical usable range) and 20 kg over the full range of motion (4 m reach and 70 degree tilt). This dynamic support significantly improves control, reduces fatigue and increases overall productivity in demanding environments.
Made for extreme conditions: materials that last longer than the mission
Every key component—from gearboxes to telescopic tubes—is made from carefully selected high-strength stainless steels and modern aluminum alloys. These materials ensure that the devices are protected against radiation, corrosion, and mechanical wear, even during continuous operation. The stainless steel telescopic tube on the hot arm provides additional rigidity and durability exactly where it matters most. Combined with robust jaw assemblies, a hexagonal boom design, and precision differential housings, the VNE series is not only designed for durability but also built to withstand some of the harshest environments in the world.
Protection for operators through intelligent load isolation
Operating the remote control requires concentration—not physical effort. The load-isolating ratchet mechanism holds vertical loads on the hot arm without transmitting forces back to the operator. When activated, movements are locked in increments, acting as mechanical „safety checkpoints“ that secure loads exactly where needed. This mechanism is particularly valuable for tasks that require stable positioning and gives operators full control without having to fight against the weight. With intuitive controls mounted on the handle for moving electric loads and an adjustable jaw control, the system simultaneously enhances safety, precision, and human performance.
Modular, upgradeable and future-proof
The VNE series is designed for a long service life and continuous improvement. Both the standard VNE-80 model and the Dynamic Balance VNE-90 benefit from ongoing product development, with new features designed to be retrofitted into existing systems. Hot arms with greater reach, booting systems, jaw configurations, load-bearing mechanisms, and even dynamic balancing modules can be installed long after the initial installation. This modularity protects the value of the investment, keeps the equipment up to date, and ensures that operators are always working with state-of-the-art technology.
