Standardized Software Frameworks for Robotics in Nuclear Applications

As is the case in other extreme environments, such as space and offshore, nuclear environments also present several unique challenges and limitations that are not necessarily shared by other industries in which robotics are predominantly used (e.g. automation). Nuclear facilities typically operate for between three and five decades, and the long-lasting, hazardous nature of these facilities requires stringent safety, assurance, and quality standards. Thus, nuclear robotics forms a niche field within robotics. In this Research Topic, the authors are expected to introduce new techniques that push the research envelope while also presenting top-quality research outputs. Although several of these techniques offer novel solutions for a number of challenging nuclear problems, they are often not suitable for application in nuclear environments owing to their shortcomings in specifications of nuclear requirements. As such, the collection is not necessarily intended to cover solely the latest advancements in robotics in this area but to also highlight key challenges and open research questions.

The primary goals for this Research Topic are as follows:
Contributions to the Research Topic will provide a unique perspective on robotics software in addition to knowledge on discipline-specific state-of-the-art research that could bring about significant changes during future nuclear operations. We anticipate receiving papers that will present innovative solutions to support nuclear operations as well as position papers on emerging trends and best practices with respect to software engineering research.

The objectives of this Research Topic will include:
• Raising awareness on the challenges faced during nuclear robotics operations;
• Sharing the latest developments in software frameworks for nuclear and robotics applications;
• Sharing the latest academic developments in emerging fields that may be of benefit;
• Facilitating an open dialog between industry and academia to help increase the occurrence of cross-pollinating interactions;
• Attracting academics to work on real-world challenges.

The focus areas may include the following areas but are not limited to:
• Nuclear challenges with respect to software maintenance over decades;
• Importance of future-proofing interoperable software;
• Industrial challenges faced by CERN, DEMO, JET and ITER, during remote pipe maintenance and remote handling;
• Assurance and verification of nuclear software;
• Importance of end user experience;
• HMI standards;
• Cyber security standards.