NRC, NIS co-sponsoring workshop on robotics in nuclear industry

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will co-sponsor the International Workshop on the Use of Robotic Technologies at Nuclear Facilities from Feb. 2 through Feb 4 at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

The workshop will focus on the potential use of robotics and automatons in nuclear facilities. The NIST states that robotic technology would allow for operations to take place where a human could not go safely, including environments with extreme pressure, temperature and radiation. Robots would also be able to serve areas with limited oxygen or little space for maneuvering.

Through the workshop, the NIST, the NRC and other sponsors aim to allow industry and governmental bodies to exchange information, establish plans for the robots and operators,  and to facilitate the discussion of other possible uses for robotics.

Those interested in attending need to complete the online registration and pay a fee of $71 to the NIST by Jan. 22.

For more information, visit www.fbcinc.com.