Autonomous Systems' Safety Cases for use in UK Nuclear Environments

TL;DR

This paper discusses developing safety cases for autonomous robots in UK nuclear sites, illustrating current capabilities and future potential, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.

Contribution

It presents a process for creating safety cases for AI-enabled autonomous robots in nuclear environments, serving as a foundation for future developments and regulatory discussions.

Findings

Safety case framework for autonomous robots in nuclear sites

Demonstration of a hypothetical AI robot safety case

Facilitates stakeholder collaboration and regulatory engagement

Abstract

An overview of the process to develop a safety case for an autonomous robot deployment on a nuclear site in the UK is described and a safety case for a hypothetical robot incorporating AI is presented. This forms a first step towards a deployment, showing what is possible now and what may be possible with development of tools. It forms the basis for further discussion between nuclear site licensees, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), industry and academia.