Transforming Robotics Research: AI, Advanced Materials, and Hazardous Applications

What can be done to increase survivability time of Remote and Robotic Systems and Components in High Radiation and Hazardous Atmospheres?

This panel is to discuss the current state and future needs for developing long-term, radiation-hardened robotic solutions capable of operating in high radiation and hazardous environments.

Robotic devices are always preferable to direct human contact in hazardous or potentially hazardous environments. The nuclear industry poses hazards going far beyond explosive, flammable, toxic atmospheres. The danger of exposure to gamma radiation in hot cells has always been a difficult issue. Electronic controllers within a hot cell for instance, can be exposed to gamma radiation which adds energy to the electronic component materials causing rapid degradation. This panel shall discuss challenges for robotics in highly hazardous environments.