The use of a CZT detector with robotic systems

This work is focused on the use of a CZT detector for a radiation mapping with an industrial robotic arm. Measurements were carried out within the RadioRoSo experiment (Radioactive Waste Robotic Sorter), under the umbrella of EU FP7 project ECHORD++. In tests with a dual-arm robot and standard point sources of 137Cs and 60Co, a Magnox waste was mimicked. Thereafter, for relevant measurement geometries and selected shielding materials, full energy peak efficiencies were calculated using the MCNP transport code. Simulated FEP efficiency values were used for minimum detectable activity assessments for expected measurement conditions. Obtained results would be also applicable for cases of shielded lost/orphan point-like sources. •Measurements with a CZT detector and a robotic arm were prepared.•FEP efficiencies for shielded sources were simulated using the MCNP code.•Magnox waste or shielded point-like orphan sources were assumed.•MDAs were calculated for shielding layers of different thicknesses.•MDAs were in a range of several kBq to tens of GBq.