[en] The Accelerator Production of Tritium (APT) has been proposed as the source of tritium for the United States in the next century. The APT will accelerate protons that will strike replaceable tungsten target modules. The tungsten target modules generate neutrons that interact with blanket modules and other modules where ³He gas is turned into tritium. The target and blanket modules are predicted to require replacement every one to ten years, depending on their location. The target modules may weigh as much as 85 tons (77 metric tons) each. All of the modules will be contained in a target/blanket vessel, which is in a shielded facility. The spent modules will be radioactive, so that remote replacement of the modules will be required. The modules will be 27 feet (8.23 m) high and the top of the modules, where most of the remote operations will occur, will be approximately 20 feet (6.1 m) down into the target/blanket vessel. The immense weights of the modules, the long reaches required and the requirement for completely remote operation of at least part of the operation, make this a unique and challenging task. Initially, manual fastening and unfastening of the jumper flanges on the modules as well as manual valve operation was proposed followed by remote replacement of the modules. This manual/remote operation was demonstrated with a computer-generated, dynamic, 3-D simulation. After review of the simulation, this operation was changed to be a complete remote operation. Complete remote operation brought about the concept of a remotely operated bridge crane and a remotely operated, bridge-mounted, manipulator to perform the entire replacement operation. A second simulation showed the intended operation of the remote concept and was instrumental in developing the requirements for the equipment and end effectors for this concept. The concept included development of end effectors for the following tasks: flange nut fastening and unfastening, flange lifting and latch operating, connector thread engagement, connector nut tightening, and valve opening and closing. The equipment designed for remote and robotic operation included a lifting bail, alignment pins, flange alignment trunnions, nut holding studs, end-effector operated flange latch, gear and nut driven connector and special valve operators. The equipment and end effectors were built and tested using a bridge robot with eight degrees of freedom. Testing revealed that the majority of the operations could be performed with programmed control and only a few steps required operator intervention with the assistance of remote camera views. Modifications were required to both the equipment and end effectors to achieve successful and reliable operation. The value of 3-D dynamic simulation in demonstrating the weaknesses and strengths of concepts, the role of simulation in gaining approval of the final concept and the value of simulation in determining successful design of equipment and end-effectors will be discussed. The value of development and testing of equipment and end-effectors towards a successful final design will also be discussed