Implementing autonomy in nuclear robotics; an experience-informed review of applying SACE

Nuclear decommissioning is a complex, hazardous, and time-consuming process that requires highly skilled and trained operators. To address the workforce bottleneck and the growing inventory of nuclear materials, a Robotic Glovebox with AI capability that can assist in the preparation and processing of nuclear material is being developed. This innovative solution can enable safer, more efficient, and continuous decommissioning operations. To support the adoption of this new technology it is necessary to develop a safety case for the system. In this paper we describe how we have used an autonomous system safety case process (the SACE approach) to generate confidence in our initial AI glovebox design. This safety case example is being provided as input it into the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) regulatory innovation sandbox and should help to establish a new paradigm in safety cases for autonomous systems in nuclear environments.