ML26058A148
| ML26058A148 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 03/04/2026 |
| From: | Hughes Green N, Stephanie Morrow Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research |
| To: | |
| References | |
| Download: ML26058A148 (0) | |
Text
Human Factors Considerations for Remote Operations Expert Panel on Regulation of Remote Operations in Nuclear Regulator Perspectives March 4, 2026 Niav Hughes Green, PhD Stephanie Morrow, PhD
Outline
- Basis for Human Factors Research
- Definitions & Conceptual Frameworks
- Key Human Performance Challenges
- Next Steps 2
Novel Approaches to Advanced Reactors Have Implications for Human Factors 3
Design
- Simpler Designs
- Passive & Inherent Safety
- Increased Automation Operation
- New Missions
- Multiple Units
- Remote Operations Staffing
- Fewer Personnel
- Different Roles and Responsibilities
- Geographically Distributed Advanced Reactors Training and Qualifications Important Human Actions Human-System Interfaces Procedures
4 A Concept of Operations (ConOps) provides a useful organizing framework Plant Mission/Goals Roles and Responsibilities of Personnel and Automation Staffing, Qualifications, and Training Normal Operations Off-Normal Conditions and Emergencies Maintenance and Modifications
- Tests, Inspections, and Surveillance
Definitions
- Remote Operation: Command and control of the nuclear plant from a location outside of the site boundary.
- Remote Monitoring: The observation of nuclear plant data from a location outside of the site boundary.
5
6 Conceptual Control Room Configurations
7 Take a closer look
What Makes Remote Operations Unique 8
Time & Distance Environmental Control
& Security Defense-in-Depth
What Makes Remote Operations Unique
- Greater separation between operators and the local site
- Loss of direct sensory information
- Dispatch and travel time considerations
- Communication latency and feedback delays 9
Time & Distance
What Makes Remote Operations Unique
- Remote facility is physically separate from reactor site, including physical protections
- Reliance on wireless communications, more exposure to cyber risks 10 Environmental Control & Security
What Makes Remote Operations Unique
- Greater separation between operators and the local site
- Loss of direct sensory information
- Dispatch and travel time considerations
- Communication latency and feedback delays 11 Defense-in-Depth
What Makes Remote Operations Unique 12 Time & Distance Environmental Control
& Security Defense-in-Depth Greater separation between operators and the local site Loss of direct sensory information Dispatch and travel time considerations Communication latency and feedback delays Remote facility is physically separate from reactor site, including physical protections Reliance on wireless communications, more exposure to cyber risks Fewer personnel on site impacts crediting of human actions for safety External hazards may have common cause effects - impacting the reactor, remote monitoring equipment, and time required for human action
13 Key Human Performance Challenges in Remote Operations
Design Implications for Safe Remote Operations 14 Enhance Perception High-quality video, optimized camera angles, and supplemental cues (auditory/haptic).
Support Attention Structured displays, prioritized alarms, and interruption management protocols.
Maintain Situation Awareness Overview screens, trend visualizations, and clear indicators for plant state and automation status.
Manage Workload Adaptive automation with transparency; staffing strategies for multi-unit operations.
Enable Reliable Communication Redundant channels, clear control transfer protocols, and coordination tools.
Integrate Procedures Computer-based procedures (CBPs) with safeguards for multi-location use and real-time status sharing.
Find NUREG-0700, HSI Design Review Guidelines Rev 4 and all previous versions here:
https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/nuregs/staff/sr0700/index
Next Steps
- Coming in April: Report on remote operations (RIL 2026-01)
- Continuing guidance development to support rulemaking activities
- Exploring empirical research on:
Human-system interface design for remote coordination Simulator testbed fidelity for training and verification and validation with remote operations 15
16 Related Publications & Presentations Le Blanc, K., Kovesdi, C., Hall, A., Boring, R., Miyake, T., Hughes Green, N. and Morrow, S. (2025). Human Factors Considerations for Anticipated Uses of Autonomy in Advanced Reactor Technologies (INL/RPT-25-89289). Washington, D.C. ADAMS: ML26013A039 (OSTI link: https://www.osti.gov/biblio/3012259).
Hughes Green, N., Morrow, S., Mortenson, T, Mohon, J., & Kovesdi, C. (2025). Characterizing the Human Factors of Offsite Monitoring and Remote Operation for the Nuclear Domain, 14th Nuclear Plant Instrumentation, Control & Human-Machine Interface Technologies (NPIC&HMIT 2025): Chicago, IL, 2025. ADAMS: ML25175A108 (Presentation: ML25175A104).
Kovesdi, C., Mortenson, T., Mohon, J., Hughes Green, N. & Morrow, S. (2025). Insights from Surrogate Industries on Remote Operations for Advanced, 14th Nuclear Plant Instrumentation, Control & Human-Machine Interface Technologies (NPIC&HMIT 2025): Chicago, IL, 2025. ADAMS: ML25175A106 (Presentation: ML25175A101).
Hughes Green, N., Morrow, S. and Kovesdi, C. (2025). DI&C & HFE Workshop: Human Factors Research on Remote and Autonomous Operations (presentation).
Chicago, IL. ADAMS: ML25175A098.
Morrow, S., Hughes Green, N., Kovesdi, C., Miyake, T., Hill, R., Spielman, Z., & Boring, R. (2025). Summary of 2024 Workshop on Human Factors Considerations for Remote Operation of Nuclear Facilities. (RIL 2024-06). Washington, D.C. ADAMS: ML25050A376.
Hughes Green, N. & Morrow, S. (2024). Exploring Human Factors Considerations of Remote and Automated Operations for the Nuclear Domain. Proceedings of the International Workshop on Autonomous Systems Safety (IWASS) and 34th European Safety and Reliability Conference (ESREL).
Hughes Green, N. and Morrow, S. (2024). Research on Human Factors Considerations for Remote and Automated Operation of Advanced Reactors: Preliminary Insights. Washington, D.C. ADAMS: ML24080A016.
Peres. C., Hughes Green, N., Morrow, S. Mallam, S, Murphy, R., Holden, K., & Blackett, C. (2024). Human Performance Implications of Remote Operations in High-Risk Industries. In Special Issue: Proceedings of the 68th Human Factors and Ergonomics Society International Annual Meeting, 68(1). https://hfesam2024.conference-program.com/presentation/?id=DP112&sess=sess199 U.S. NRC. (2024). Meeting Summary of Workshop on Human Factors for Remote Operations, 1-31-2024. Washington, D.C. ADAMS: ML24061A181.
17 Stay Informed Subscribe to Email Updates about the NRCs Human Factors Research QR Code for NRC GovDelivery Subscriptions https://service.govdelivery.com/accounts/USNRC/subscriber/new Category: Research Topic: Human Factors Research