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Artificial Intelligence

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What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence is defined as a machine-based system that can go beyond defined results and scenarios and has the ability to emulate human-like perception, cognition, planning, learning, communication, or physical action. For a given set of human-defined objectives, AI can make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments (adapted from the National Defense Authorization Act (2021)).

NRC's Enterprisewide AI Strategy

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How the NRC is Preparing to Review AI Technologies

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How We Are Using AI

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FAQs

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What We Have Accomplished

  • Issued SECY-24-0035, “Advancing the Use of Artificial Intelligence at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission,” (ML24086A002), on April 24, 2024, summarizing potential AI applications and the staff’s overall approach to effectively leverage AI at the NRC.
  • Set goals for AI implementation, appointed a Chief AI Officer, and created an AI Governance Board  to ensure the agency's use of AI is adequately managed.
  • Developed the NRC’s AI Strategic Plan (ML23132A305) to achieve AI regulatory readiness. The staff is progressing on the execution of the AI Project Plan (ML24194A116).
  • Created an AI Steering Committee to promote cross-office coordination and direction to prepare the agency for the future use of AI in NRC-regulated activities.
  • Published an AI principles paper with Canada and the United Kingdom on September 5, 2024 (ML24241A252), outlining guiding principles for the safe and secure use of AI in nuclear applications.
  • Hosted an International Atomic Energy Agency Technical Meeting on the near-term deployment of AI solutions in the nuclear power industry on March 18-21, 2024.
  • Hosted a public workshop at NRC Headquarters on September 17, 2024, to discuss the results of potential regulatory gaps and considerations in evaluating AI technologies.
  • Issued the final report on “Regulatory Framework Gap Assessment for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Nuclear Applications” in October 2024 (ML24290A059).

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The Next 12 Months

  • Publish a strategy for identifying and removing barriers to the responsible use of AI and achieving enterprise-wide improvements in AI maturity.
  • Broaden the scope of generative AI training to agency staff and contractors and the development of the rules of behavior for the use of generative AI tools.
  • Continue to engage with the inspection community across all regions and inspection types in Future Focused Research outreach sessions.
  • Further develop the regulatory framework to support the use of AI in NRC-regulated activities.
  • Continue communication with industry stakeholders to ensure preparedness for future uses of AI in NRC-regulated activities.

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Contact Us

If you have questions about artificial intelligence, please see our Contact Us form.

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References

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Page Last Reviewed/Updated Tuesday, February 04, 2025