VLC-enhanced autonomous rail vehicle for nuclear waste disposal

This paper investigates the potential of visible light communication (VLC) for autonomous railway vehicles (ARVs) engaged in nuclear waste disposal. The research focuses on designing an ARV system equipped with VLC technology to ensure safe, reliable communication in hazardous environments, such as deep geological repositories. Initial testing demonstrated that VLC can effectively maintain communication between ARV components over distances of up to 30 m, even when operating at limiting angles. In this study, angles of 60° and 75° were tested, corresponding to the angles of the curves of the tested route. With 4-QAM modulation it was possible to measure at a distance of approximately 5.5 m with an angle of 75°. The system has shown promise in addressing key challenges, such as high radiation levels and confined spaces, where traditional RF-based communication systems may fail. The results indicate that VLC could significantly improve the safety and efficiency of ARV operations in nuclear waste disposal, offering advantages in terms of robustness and reliability. Future work will focus on integrating VLC more deeply into ARV control systems, further testing in real-world environments, and exploring its application nuclear waste management.