"The regulator expects that next wave of plants will use new designs it has never inspected, so perhaps AI can help it prepare. It is unclear what role the regulator imagines AI will play in nuclear inspection, but highly-regulated industries such as nuclear power produce huge quantities of data and documentation. AI could conceivably spot anomalies in that information and advise human inspectors where best to focus their attention."
"It is unclear what role the regulator imagines AI will play in nuclear inspection, but highly-regulated industries such as nuclear power produce huge quantities of data and documentation. AI could conceivably spot anomalies in that information and advise human inspectors where best to focus their attention. Letting AI anywhere near the controls of a power plant is presumably out of the question, because such facilities are typically air-gapped and operate under procedures that require careful verification of every significant action."
Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority requested extra funding to trial AI-powered inspection tools for nuclear plants. Many Japanese energy companies operate aging reactors that will require increased oversight during extended operations and decommissioning. The regulator reported insufficient inspection staff and wants to investigate whether AI can assist with inspections and help prepare for unfamiliar new plant designs. Nuclear operations generate vast amounts of data and documentation; AI could potentially detect anomalies and direct human inspectors to priority areas. Direct AI control of plant systems is considered unacceptable due to air-gapped procedures and the risk of catastrophic errors, so AI would need exceptionally rigorous testing given past failures such as Fukushima Daiichi.
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