Human Systems Engineering for Remote Operations of Automated Nuclear Microreactors
Next-generation nuclear microreactors, such as Westinghouse’s eVinci™, are designed to operate in remote and decentralized locations with minimal on-site staff. These reactors aim to bring safe and reliable energy to areas where large-scale plants are impractical. However, their automated nature introduces new challenges for remote human supervision, operational transparency, and safety assurance.
This project addresses these challenges through human-systems engineering. We design and evaluate human-system interfaces (HSIs) that help remote operators monitor and manage reactor behavior, even in unfamiliar or high-risk situations. Using operational data, simulations, and accident scenarios, we identify where misunderstandings or delayed responses are most likely to occur.
Our research combines immersive interface design (such as virtual control rooms), cognitive modeling using knowledge graphs, and explainable AI (XAI) to support effective and trustworthy decision-making. The goal is to ensure that even highly automated systems remain understandable and controllable by humans—ultimately enabling safe, scalable, and socially accepted deployment of microreactors.