H. B. Smartt, D. P. Pace, E. D. Larsen, R. J. Bitsoi, C. R. Tolle, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID

Summary: This presentation describes the design of a robotic welding system for closure welding of storage canisters for radioactive waste. The system will be in a high gamma radiation field (>1000 rad/hr) and thus must be operated remotely. Design factors consider radiation hardening, remote operation and maintenance, and future upgrades of hardware, software, and operating procedures.