With the continuous expansion of nuclear power units and the increasing demand for extended operation, the safety and reliability of nuclear equipment have become industry priorities. Nuclear robotics, as a critical enabler of non-destructive testing (NDT) and maintenance, is evolving from auxiliary tools into intelligent autonomous platforms. This report begins by outlining the application background and driving factors for nuclear robotics. Based on typical application cases from China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN), it systematically reviews representative nuclear robots and their engineering practices, including nuclear island inspection, underwater examination, and repair operations. A key focus is placed on in-service inspection robots, covering core NDT tasks such as eddy current testing of steam generator heat transfer tubes, ultrasonic inspection of reactor pressure vessel nozzle welds, and failed fuel assembly localization. The report further introduces the associated technology validation systems, including radiation tolerance tests, remote operation precision verification, and environmental adaptability assessments. Finally, integrating artificial intelligence, multi-sensor fusion, and digital twin technologies, the report discusses future directions for nuclear robotics in autonomous inspection, collaborative operations, and full-lifecycle management. This work is intended to provide a reference pathway for the intelligent upgrading of NDT in the nuclear power industry.

Biography of Ming Li

Li Ming, Senior Engineer (Research Fellow), PhD Supervisor and Chief Expert of the Group. He has long researched non-destructive testing (NDT) technology and developed related equipment for nuclear power plants. He leads one national 863 Program project and two national key R&D programs. His awards include one Second Prize of National Science and Technology Progress Award and one Gold Medal at Geneva International Inventions Exhibition. He owns over 30 authorized Chinese invention patents and 4 PCT international patents. He also holds concurrent posts as Deputy Secretary-General of the Nuclear Power Standardization Technical Committee under the National Energy Administration, and Vice Chairman of China Non-destructive Testing Standardization Technical Committee (SAC/TC56). Together with his team, he built the in-service inspection platform for CGN and developed full-range automatic inspection devices for CPR1000 and EPR type reactors. These devices are used in more than 30 operating and under-construction nuclear units of CGN.