Drones and robotics can help streamline nuclear power plant operations and enhance their efficiency - not just in the future but today, concluded participants at an IAEA workshop.
Some 125 people from 26 countries and 2 international organizations took part in the event last week at Switzerland's Park Innovaare, exploring how drones and robots are used at nuclear power plants and related facilities around the world, including for routine monitoring, emergency response and post-incident assessment.
"The event gathered a diverse technical community of reactor operators, suppliers, regulators and R&D organizations," said Ed Bradley, who led the workshop as the IAEA's Team Leader for Nuclear Power Plant Operation and Engineering Support. "The team built a custom demonstration facility for numerous demonstration and hands-on exercises involving walking, rolling, crawling, flying and swimming robots and drones. This commitment produced a unique opportunity unlike any other I've been involved in throughout my IAEA career."
The workshop, organized as part of the IAEA's International Network on Innovation to Support Operating Nuclear Power Plants (ISOP), was hosted by Kernkraftwek Leibstadt AG (KKL) and supported by the Electric Power Research Institute, Axpo and a KKL team led by Benjamin Regener.
Catalysing Innovation
ISOP was established in 2023 to bolster efforts to deliver innovative solutions for both the current fleet of reactors and those expected to be deployed in the near future. Last year, ISOP launched the Innovation Awards Programme to recognize key technological developments in the nuclear power sector in areas including advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, robotics and drones.
Breakthroughs in drones and robotics were highlighted at the ISOP Innovation Awards during last year's IAEA General Conference and were again in focus at a recent webinar. As the technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, drones and robotics are projected to take on a larger role in day-to-day operations, though regulatory frameworks will need to be updated to allow for broader implementation.
"I enjoyed several tech sessions and saw numerous robots and drones in operation. It was an exciting, informative and inspiring event," said Fahmida Akter, Chief Engineer and Head of Nuclear Electronics Division at the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission. "I will take many lessons and examples home to develop robotic and drone solutions in Bangladesh."
Robot Dogs
The workshop included theoretical discussions as well as demonstrations of how robotic tools, including quadrupedal robots ('robot dogs'), can be used in nuclear facilities. Drones designed to operate in environments where elevated radiation levels are present were also showcased, and participants were given an opportunity to engage in practical hands-on challenges, directly operating the equipment to gain experience with its functionality and potential applications.
"I am very pleased with the outcome. The workshop featured great robots, enthusiastic participants and forward-driven insights," said Benjamin Regener, Team Head, Project and Innovation Leader and Subject Matter Expert at KKL. "A lot to take away and improve for even better locomotion, more versatile data integration and modular platforms."
The workshop further illustrated how robotic platforms can offer new capabilities including for maintenance and rapid incident response, all while reducing personnel exposure to ionizing radiation.
Discussions also touched on qualification procedures for robotic systems, vital for regulatory acceptance. Participants also shared best practices, offering insights on how they overcame integration obstacles.
More on ISOP
A key outcome of last year's ISOP Innovation Awards programme was the creation of a Use Case Library, a searchable repository of innovative developments. The library is a robust resource to help the nuclear community share knowledge and best practices, helping to break down barriers to innovation. The 2025 awards programme aims to showcase more groundbreaking ideas, driving the industry forward and supporting a sustainable future for nuclear power.
On 26 June, the IAEA will host another webinar featuring participants from the 2024 ISOP Innovation Awards presenting their work related to advanced manufacturing solutions. All those who are interested in registering may do so here.
