Advanced Technologies Strengthen Radiation Emergency Response

The IAEA is expanding the use of advanced technologies to improve readiness for nuclear and radiological emergencies, where rapid, safe response is critical. Robotics are increasingly applied for radiation monitoring, surveillance, and sample collection in hazardous zones, limiting risks to human responders. Artificial intelligence is being explored to enhance robotics autonomy, support medical triage, assist decontamination tasks, improve search-and-rescue operations, and strengthen cyber threat detection across nuclear systems.

Virtual reality training has become a key preparedness tool, allowing emergency personnel to practise managing complex crisis scenarios that are rarely encountered in real life. Working with the China Institute for Radiation Protection, the IAEA has developed immersive, role-based VR modules simulating large-scale radiological incidents to train first responders, medical teams, and extended emergency support personnel. The organization is also seeking partners to expand VR and augmented reality applications for operational procedures such as source recovery and decontamination activities.