Drones and Robots Revolutionize Nuclear Plant Safety and Operations Worldwide

Innovative applications of drones and robotic technologies are transforming the nuclear power sector, enhancing safety, reducing human exposure to hazardous environments, and streamlining operations. These advancements were the focal point of a recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) workshop hosted at Switzerland’s Park Innovaare, drawing 125 participants from 26 countries and two international organizations.

Robotics in Action: A Workshop Like No Other

The weeklong workshop, organized under the IAEA’s International Network on Innovation to Support Operating Nuclear Power Plants (ISOP), showcased an impressive array of robotic and drone technologies. These ranged from walking and crawling robots to aerial and aquatic systems, offering solutions for maintenance, inspection, emergency response, and post-incident evaluation in nuclear facilities.

Participants engaged in hands-on sessions with cutting-edge technologies in a custom demonstration facility, an initiative spearheaded by Ed Bradley, the IAEA’s Team Leader for Nuclear Power Plant Operation and Engineering Support. “This was a unique opportunity unlike any other I’ve been involved in throughout my IAEA career,” said Bradley. “It brought together a diverse community of reactor operators, suppliers, regulators and R&D organizations.”

Host and Collaborators: Driving Innovation from the Ground Up

The event was hosted by Kernkraftwerk Leibstadt AG (KKL) and supported by the Electric Power Research Institute, Axpo, and a dedicated KKL team led by Benjamin Regener. Their combined efforts enabled not only robust demonstrations but also deep technical engagement among the attendees.

Participants experienced live demonstrations of drones that can navigate high-radiation zones and quadrupedal robots — affectionately dubbed “robot dogs” — which showcased their potential in patrolling and inspecting facility interiors with precision and agility.

“I am very pleased with the outcome,” said Regener. “The workshop featured great robots, enthusiastic participants, and forward-driven insights. There’s still much room for improvement in locomotion, modularity, and data integration — but we’ve seen clear progress.”

Technology Meets Regulation

A key aspect of the workshop was exploring the regulatory dimensions of implementing robotics in nuclear facilities. Qualification procedures for robotic systems — a prerequisite for their regulatory acceptance — were reviewed and discussed. Participants exchanged experiences on overcoming integration hurdles, offering valuable lessons for countries looking to implement similar technologies.

Fahmida Akter, Chief Engineer at the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, found the event eye-opening. “I enjoyed several tech sessions and saw numerous robots and drones in operation. It was an exciting, informative, and inspiring event,” she said. “I will take many lessons and examples home to develop robotic and drone solutions in Bangladesh.”

The Role of ISOP in Fostering Innovation

Established in 2023, ISOP is designed to drive innovation for the current and future fleet of nuclear power plants. The ISOP Innovation Awards Programme, launched the same year, recognizes breakthrough developments in areas such as advanced manufacturing, AI, robotics, and drone technologies. The 2024 edition of the awards highlighted advances that were featured during this workshop and will be spotlighted again in an upcoming webinar on 26 June.

Another major outcome of the ISOP initiative is the creation of a searchable Use Case Library — a repository of real-world applications, solutions, and best practices. This growing database helps bridge the innovation gap, encourages cross-border collaboration, and removes obstacles to technology adoption.

Toward a Safer, Smarter Future

As drones and robotics grow more sophisticated, their role in day-to-day nuclear plant operations is expected to expand dramatically. These tools offer not only enhanced precision and data collection but also reduce risks to human workers, particularly in high-radiation or inaccessible environments.

With global interest in nuclear power growing as part of the clean energy transition, the need for safer, more efficient technologies is more critical than ever. The IAEA, through ISOP and collaborative events like this workshop, is laying the foundation for a smarter, safer nuclear future.