Drones are already used for a variety of tasks, including search and rescue, weather monitoring, and traffic monitoring. Besides, drones do have a significant role in radiation monitoring and the nuclear industry across the world. Currently, drones are utilized to develop contamination maps at legacy uranium sites, track and detect radiation leaks, create visual inspections at nuclear facilities, and perform unattended radiological measurements. This data could be used to decommission nuclear power plants and research facilities that are no longer in use.

Drones are already used for a variety of tasks, including search and rescue, weather monitoring, and traffic monitoring. Besides, drones do have a significant role in radiation monitoring and the nuclear industry across the world. Currently, drones are utilized to develop contamination maps at legacy uranium sites, track and detect radiation leaks, create visual inspections at nuclear facilities, and perform unattended radiological measurements. This data could be used to decommission nuclear power plants and research facilities that are no longer in use.

The drone used for the development was the Aurelia X6, made by Aurelia Aerospace’s dealer UAV Systems International, capable of carrying a payload of up to 11 pounds. A Federal Aviation Administration licensed pilot made the drone operate.

The use of drones for decommissioning radiological surveys could have a number of benefits. Drones can collect data more quickly and efficiently than humans can. They can also be used to survey areas that are too dangerous or inaccessible for humans. This could help to reduce the cost and time of decommissioning nuclear facilities. Another added benefit is that survey-suitable drones could be programmed to execute remotely at a site, in the absence of constant piloting.

However, there are also some challenges that need to be addressed before drones can be widely used for decommissioning radiological surveys. One challenge is that drones need to fly low and slow to detect low levels of radiation. This can make them vulnerable to wind and other weather conditions. Additionally, drones need to be equipped with specialized radiation detection equipment.