Shaping the Future of Nuclear Robotics

The nuclear industry is entering a period of rapid technological advancement in which robotics, remote systems, automation, artificial intelligence, advanced sensing, and digital technologies are becoming increasingly important to the safe, efficient, and reliable execution of complex missions. From environmental cleanup and facility operations to advanced reactor deployment, fuel cycle operations, waste management, research, inspection, maintenance, decommissioning, and commercial nuclear power generation, robotics is evolving from a specialized capability into an essential component of the nuclear enterprise. This panel will bring together leaders from national laboratories, academia, and industry—the principal shapers of the next generation of nuclear robotics technologies and applications—to discuss the evolving role of nuclear robotics and identify the opportunities, challenges, and collaborative actions that will shape the next decade. The discussion will explore how emerging technologies can address mission needs, improve worker safety, enhance operational performance, reduce lifecycle costs, strengthen regulatory confidence, and accelerate the successful deployment of robotics across the nuclear landscape. Panelists will share perspectives on technology development, operational deployment, research priorities, workforce development, standards, and collaboration among organizations. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding how innovative concepts can successfully transition from research and demonstration to reliable, field-deployable solutions that deliver measurable value to end users. The discussion will also address the partnerships needed among government, national laboratories, universities, industry, technology developers, regulators, and nuclear owner-operators to accelerate innovation while ensuring that new capabilities are practical, maintainable, safe, deployable, and responsive to operational requirements. Designed for engineers, scientists, program managers, researchers, technology developers, students, regulators, utility professionals, and decision-makers, the panel will provide a strategic forum for exchanging ideas, sharing lessons learned, and identifying opportunities for future collaboration. Rather than focusing on a single technology or application, the discussion will explore the broader direction of nuclear robotics and the actions required to strengthen innovation, foster partnerships, and advance practical solutions that support the safe, secure, reliable, and sustainable future of nuclear technology. Ultimately, the panel seeks to inspire collaboration across the nuclear community while helping define a shared vision for the next generation of robotics and remote systems that will enable safer workers, stronger mission execution, enhanced regulatory confidence, and broader deployment of nuclear technologies.