Robot Mission Planning & Operations (MPO) software and hardware system Investigation & Demonstration for security applications at Advanced and Small Nuclear Reactors (A/SNRs)

Statement of the Problem Advanced and Small Nuclear Reactors (A/SNRs) are well-positioned to fulfill the need for substantial local power, especially for areas with no or limited grid access and challenges with fuel transportation. For A/SNR applications to be economically viable, they must be safe and cost-effective to compete with other energy generation sources. The physical security challenges of the A/SNR size, design, physical layout, operations, and the potential for being sited in isolated locations with potentially limited staff compared to large nuclear power or other large-scale electricity producers are the focus of this proposed research. For existing LWR nuclear plants, physical security is one of the dominant operating expenses. For A/SNRs to be cost-effective, they must leverage technology and reduce onsite personnel to a minimum. For the first A/SNRs deployed, onsite physical security staff may be required but this research could reduce, or potentially eliminate, full-time in site staff requirements. How Will Problem be Addressed This project will identify the challenges and requirements of A/SNR physical security, requirements, define and quantitatively evaluate security system and protective strategies using robotic systems, and conduct a cost analysis for the use of robotic technology to perform/support physical security tasks at A/SNRs. ARES Security (ARES) has partnered with X-energy, Xcel Energy (Xcel), Idaho National Laboratory (INL), and Ghost Robotics. ARES has worked closely with Xcel, INL and Ghost Robotics on several successful projects. For this project, the ARES AVERT Physical Security (AVERT-PS) software will be used to analyze A/SNR security posture and the AVERT Mission Planning & Operations (AVERT-MPO) software will used as the demonstration software system controlling the robot. The Ghost Robotics Q-UGV robotic system (QUGV) will be the robotics system leveraged and demonstrated for this project. What is to Be done in Phase I There are three technical objectives: 1. Analyze proposed security models and systems for A/SNR plants and determine key avenues for optimization by employing robotic systems. ARES will develop a proposed security solution using the QUGV systems. 2. Quantify the performance of the proposed system using AVERT-PS modeling and simulation and an exercise with a human decision-maker in the loop. 3. Qualitatively evaluate the validity of the solution and analysis via a small-scale mockup testing actual QUGVs, sensors on a reasonable facsimile of critical portions of a realistic small site. Commercial Application and Other Benefits Robotics technology can support and/or replace human responsibilities for the following types of applications: 1. Security: Guard posts (fixed and roving), Compensatory Measures, Advanced perimeter detection automated response (robot versus onsite guard), Off-shift security and others 2. Operational support - Numerous including: Fire watch, Escorts, Radiation Protection activities (i.e., Radiation mapping of facilities, RP escorts, etc.), others 3. Many other departments The value proposition that a robotic system provides the end user is significant. The ability to enhance the capabilities of human response (i.e., enhanced surveillance, keeping humans out of harm’s way, etc.) in addition to the potential to replace an onsite human with a robot that has the same, potentially enhanced, capabilities as a human equivalent can be very attractive.