Research and Applications of Underwater Robots in the Nuclear Power Field

As a clean and efficient energy source, nuclear power is undergoing rapid global development. However, daily maintenance of nuclear reactor pools faces significant challenges and extreme conditions including high water temperatures, intense radiation, restricted underwater visibility, and complex underwater environments, where conventional manual operations exhibit low efficiency and elevate personnel exposure risks. Underwater robotic technology, particularly radiation-hardened ROVs and hybrid AUV-ROV platforms, has emerged as a critical research focus in the nuclear power sector due to its potential to replace human labor while enhancing operational safety and productivity. This paper systematically analyzes international advancements in underwater robotics for nuclear pool applications, with specific discussions on multi-purpose robotic systems, radiation-hardened technologies, hydrodynamic modeling, object detection algorithms, and autonomous path planning. Comparative evaluations of technical merits and limitations are provided, establishing a reference framework for future technological developments. These insights establish a technical benchmark for next-generation robotic solutions in nuclear asset management.