Energy Transitions podcast: AI, robots and the future of nuclear decommissioning

Working in hot, radioactive environments poses significant risks to humans, which is why intelligent robotic solutions are increasingly sought after as a safer and more efficient alternative.

Developing these pioneering solutions is the remit of the UK's Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration (RAICo) - an organisation on a mission to use the best tools available to derisk operations at nuclear decommissioning sites.

In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, Pamela Largue speaks with Dr Kirsty Hewitson, Director at RAICo, to explore the groundbreaking use of embodied intelligence in nuclear decommissioning. According to Hewitson, whether drones or quadrupeds, data and decision making on the fly are empowering site operators and transforming the sector.

In this episode, you will learn more about:

• What solutions RAICo is working on currently and how they can benefit the UK's nuclear industry;
• How AI and robots are revolutionising the nuclear sector in the UK and around the world;
• The challenges of nuclear decommissioning;
• The role of embodied intelligence in derisking nuclear decommissioning;
• How to train quadrupeds and people that operate them;
• How to address existing skills and equity gaps, as well as ensure the next generation of talent is equipped for the future working environment;
• Real world applications for technologies being developed at RAICo;
• Whether robots will replace humans in this sector.

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Listen to previous episodes:
Navigating stakeholder resistance in US energy projects
The rise of next-gen solar thermal technology
Why the UK power sector needs more female leaders

More about the nuclear sector:
Germany’s nuclear u-turn and its continental ripple effects
Why scarcity is a myth and opportunity abounds for nuclear’s workforce strategy
Energy Transitions podcast: Is Sweden ready for a nuclear revival?