Use of Robotic and Automation Systems in Small Modular and Micro Reactor Development

Abstract

This paper shares knowledge of robotic systems used in the nuclear industry and proposes using robotic and automation systems in advanced small modular reactor development. It has been seen in the era of advanced technology that the use of automation and robotic systems is becoming too frequent and increasing daily. There are plenty of areas that are still in the development stage. The nuclear industry is one of the developing fields for building advanced reactors through autonomous robotic systems. It has been observed that the nuclear industry still needs to utilize autonomous solutions in developments like manufacturing, inspection, operation, and maintenance. Developing automated robotic systems can help manufacture, inspect, operate, and maintain next-generation nuclear reactors, specifically small modular and micro nuclear reactors. Robotic systems can achieve benefits like inherent safety, reliability, efficiency, and accuracy in small modular reactors (SMR) or Micro Reactor (MR) development. This research can be extended to use robotics and automation systems from nuclear fuel fabrication facilities to nuclear waste disposal applications. This research can be used to design and implement intelligent autonomous nuclear reactor robotic and automation systems.