ISOP Network Workshop on Robotic and Drone Applications at Operating Nuclear Power Plants

Background

In April 2023 the IAEA launched and international network on Innovation to Support Operating Nuclear Power Plants (ISOP) as an inclusive platform to strengthen international collaboration on innovative solutions to ensure sustainable, competitive operation of nuclear power plants (NPPs) in operation today or those expected to enter operation within the next ~5 years. ISOP is designed to comprise diverse working groups focused on specific innovation topics. The topics could be technical, business process, competency/proficiency or organizational in nature.

An initial working group on artificial intelligence (ISOP-AIWG) was piloted from mid-2022. Engagement in the AIWG grew quickly and activities of 3 IAEA Sections across 2 Departments were routinely shared via the ISOP platform. External engagement in the AIWG expanded to include utilities, regulators, technical support organizations, national laboratories, vendors, and academia. This experience was presented during an April 2023 Technical Meeting to formally launch ISOP. During this meeting, IAEA Member States endorsed the ISOP approach and recommended the IAEA explore opportunities for the network to consider working groups on other innovation topics.

An October 2023 exploratory call for interest in robotic innovations to support operating NPPs gathered 35 experts across 10 Member States and two international organizations. Eight presentations from Member States were shared during the call and generated productive discussion as participants were able to ask questions about similar robotic applications in their own NPPs. Participants suggested the IAEA host a consultancy meeting to determine if/how the Agency can support collaboration in the area of robotics, drones, and remote systems at the international level; either via partnerships or by implementing unique IAEA activities.

Objectives

The purpose of the event is s to deliver a practical workshop on the use of robots, drones and possibly other uncrewed/remote technologies at operating nuclear power plants. The event aims to address recommendations 3 and 4 from the March 2024 consultancy meeting summarized above. The purpose is to share Member States' experience with robotics, drones, and remote systems to improve performance and increase safety at operating NPPs. Hands-on experience, including from outside of the nuclear industry will be shared. The meeting will also constitute an arena for matchmaking between needs in the nuclear power plants and the supplier industry.

Registration

All persons wishing to participate in the event have to be designated by an IAEA Member State or should be members of organizations that have been invited to attend.

In order to be designated by an IAEA Member State or invited organization, participants are requested to submit their application via the InTouch+ platform (https://intouchplus.iaea.org) to the competent national authority (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Permanent Mission to the IAEA or National Atomic Energy Authority) or organization for onward transmission to the IAEA by 14 April 2025, following the registration procedure in InTouch+. [Registration deadline extended to 30 April]

Deadlines

The application for financial support should be made using the Grant Application Form (Form C), which has to be stamped, signed and submitted by the competent national authority to the IAEA together with the Participation Form (Form A).

Deadline to apply for financial support: 14 April, 2025. The deadline for registration has been extended to 30 April, 2025.