'AI Will Change Everything About Nuclear' as US Lab Partners With Amazon Cloud to Build the First Smart Reactors in American History
partners with Amazon Web Services to develop for nuclear reactors. 💡 The collaboration aims to modernize the U.S. nuclear sector, making reactors autonomous and efficient .
and . 🌐 The initiative is part of a national push to integrate artificial intelligence into energy infrastructure.
into energy infrastructure. 🔍 Focus on safety, cost reduction, and sustainability in nuclear energy development.
The United States is taking a bold step in nuclear energy innovation, leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform how nuclear reactors are designed and operated. The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to develop autonomous nuclear systems. This collaboration aims to create digital twins of nuclear reactors using AWS's advanced cloud technology. The move is part of a larger effort to modernize the nuclear energy sector, which has historically faced challenges such as high costs and regulatory hurdles. Digital Twins: A Groundbreaking Approach
The concept of digital twins is at the heart of this initiative. Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical systems that enable detailed modeling and simulation. By utilizing AWS's cloud infrastructure, INL aims to create digital twins of small modular reactors (SMRs). These reactors, with capacities ranging from 20 to 300 megawatts, are poised to benefit from AI-driven efficiencies.
John Wagner, Director of INL, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating that it marks a leap forward in integrating AI with nuclear energy research. 'Our collaboration with Amazon Web Services marks a significant leap forward in integrating advanced AI technologies into our nuclear energy research and development initiatives,' Wagner noted. The partnership underscores the critical role of linking the nation's nuclear energy laboratory with AWS to accelerate nuclear energy deployment.
By using real-time data, these digital twins will enhance modeling capabilities, facilitate simulations, and eventually allow for safe autonomous operations. This initiative is expected to revolutionize how nuclear plants are built and operated, offering potential cost reductions and improved safety.
America's Artificial Sun Is Here and It's Already Tearing the Country Apart Between Tech Elites, Climate Rebels, and Energy Giants Harnessing the Power of Machine Learning
As part of INL's broader vision, the integration of machine learning with nuclear technology aims to create an AI-nuclear ecosystem. This ecosystem will connect Department of Energy (DOE) labs, tech companies, and energy developers. The ultimate goal is to develop nuclear reactors that are not only faster to construct but also safer and more intelligent in operation.
The INL-AWS partnership follows a similar collaboration between Westinghouse and Google Cloud, highlighting the growing importance of AI in the nuclear sector. By combining AI platforms with proprietary nuclear data, these partnerships aim to accelerate the development of advanced nuclear technologies.
In May 2025, President Donald Trump signed executive orders to streamline reactor permitting and expand domestic nuclear fuel production. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to modernize the U.S. nuclear energy infrastructure and support increasing AI-driven power demands.
'Hotter Than Hellfire Itself': Critics Slam Fusion Reactor Part That Withstands Temperatures Higher Than Asteroid Impacts A National Push for AI-Driven Nuclear Power
The U.S. government has recognized the critical role of nuclear energy in maintaining technological competitiveness and supporting future data center growth. The release of a national AI Action Plan in July 2025 identified reliable, dispatchable energy, including nuclear power, as essential components of this strategy.
The partnership between INL and AWS is a reflection of this national push. By leveraging customized chips like Inferentia and Trainium, along with tools such as Amazon SageMaker, the collaboration aims to drive the adoption of AI in nuclear applications. Chris Ritter, division director of Scientific Computing and AI at INL, emphasized the importance of this partnership in accessing AI models and specialized cloud services.
This initiative is not just about technological advancements; it is also about redefining the future of energy production. By embracing AI, the U.S. is positioning itself at the forefront of global nuclear innovation.
'Nuclear Fusion Just Got Real': Scientists Unveil Breakthrough That Could Deliver Endless Clean Energy and Erase Fossil Fuel Dependency The Road Ahead for AI and Nuclear Energy
While the potential benefits of AI-driven nuclear energy are immense, the path forward is not without challenges. The integration of AI into nuclear systems requires careful consideration of safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and public acceptance. However, the collaboration between INL and AWS is a promising step toward overcoming these hurdles.
As the U.S. continues to invest in AI-driven nuclear technologies, the focus will be on creating a sustainable and secure energy future. The development of autonomous reactors and digital twins represents a significant shift in how nuclear energy is perceived and utilized.
The question remains: How will this transformation in nuclear energy impact global energy dynamics, and what role will AI play in shaping the future of sustainable power?
This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies.
Did you like it? 4.6/5 (22)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
France 24
2 hours ago
- France 24
Trump threatens 'substantial' tariff hike on India over Russian oil deal
Trump on Tuesday said he would increase the tariff charged on imports from India from the current rate of 25 percent"very substantially" over the next 24 hours, given India's continued purchases of Russian oil. "India has not been a good trading partner, because they do a lot of business with us, but we don't do business with them. So we settled on 25 percent but I think I'm going to raise that very substantially over the next 24 hours, because they're buying Russian oil," he told CNBC in a televised interview, adding that the main sticking point with India was that its tariffs were too high. "They're fuelling the war machine, and if they're going to do that, then I'm not going to be happy," Trump added. He did not provide a finalised tariff rate for India. Vladimir Putin to halt the war in Ukraine. "If energy goes down enough, Putin is going to stop killing people," Trump told CNBC. "If you get energy down, another $10 a barrel, he's going to have no choice because his economy stinks."
Sustainability Times
2 hours ago
- Sustainability Times
Synthetic Cell Can "Follow Chemical Directions and Change Shape" Mimicking Life's Most Vital Functions in Breakthrough Study
IN A NUTSHELL 🔬 Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine created a minimal synthetic cell that follows chemical cues, illustrating the biological concept of symmetry breaking . that follows chemical cues, illustrating the biological concept of . 🧫 The study demonstrates how these synthetic cells mimic immune responses by reorganizing into asymmetric structures in response to stimuli. in response to stimuli. 💊 This breakthrough could lead to advancements in targeted drug delivery , allowing for precise release of treatments within the body. , allowing for precise release of treatments within the body. 🔍 Future research aims to enhance these cells' abilities, potentially impacting fields like environmental sensing and medical applications. In a groundbreaking development, scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have made significant strides in understanding how cells move by building a minimal synthetic cell. This synthetic cell can follow external chemical cues, demonstrating a fundamental biological process known as 'symmetry breaking.' The research, published in Science Advances, presents a new way to mimic and potentially control how cells respond to their environment. Such advancements may pave the way for novel drug delivery systems that can precisely target specific areas within the body. The study's implications extend beyond biology, touching on fields as diverse as physics and cosmology. Understanding Symmetry Breaking Symmetry breaking is a critical precursor to cell movement. It occurs when a cell's molecules, initially symmetrically arranged, reorganize into an asymmetric pattern in response to stimuli. This process can be likened to the way migrating birds change formation based on environmental cues like sunlight. For cells, symmetry breaking is essential for responding to chemical signals, such as those at an infection site. This reorganization allows immune cells to traverse blood vessel walls and reach infected tissues. The transformation into polarized and asymmetric structures prepares them to move toward their target. Shiva Razavi, Ph.D., who led the research, emphasizes the importance of symmetry breaking across multiple scientific disciplines. 'The notion of symmetry breaking is crucial to life, impacting fields as diverse as biology, physics and cosmology,' Razavi explains. Understanding this process is vital for uncovering the fundamentals of biology and developing new therapeutic strategies. By mimicking and controlling symmetry breaking in synthetic cells, scientists hope to gain insights into how cells survey their chemical environment and adapt accordingly. 'Welcome to the Future of War' as BAE Systems Unveils Sixth-Generation Fighter Design and Triggers Alarming Debate Over AI Weapons and Global Arms Race The Creation of a Synthetic Cell The researchers constructed a giant vesicle with a double-layered membrane, creating a simplified synthetic cell or protocell. This cell, composed of phospholipids, purified proteins, salts, and ATP, is designed to mimic the first step in an immune response. In their experiments, scientists engineered the protocell to detect chemical signals, prompting it to break symmetry. This change allows the cell to transform from a perfect sphere to an uneven shape, preparing it for movement. 'Our study demonstrates how a cell-like entity can sense the direction of an external chemical cue, mimicking the conditions you would find in a living organism,' Razavi states. By building this cell-like structure from scratch, researchers can identify and understand the essential components required for symmetry breaking. This understanding is crucial for developing future applications in medicine and beyond. China Stuns the World With a 'Terrifying New Weapon' That Launches Missiles at Mach 7 Using Cutting-Edge Electromagnetic Railgun Technology Potential Applications in Medicine The ability to mimic symmetry breaking in synthetic cells holds promise for targeted drug delivery. According to senior author Takanari Inoue, Ph.D., 'The idea is that you can package anything you want into these bubbles—protein, RNA, DNA, dyes or small molecules—tell the cell where to go using chemical sensing, and then have the cell burst near its intended target so that a drug can be released.' Such precision in drug delivery could revolutionize treatments for various diseases, allowing for more effective and less invasive therapies. The researchers activated the vesicle's chemical-sensing ability by planting two proteins, FKBP and FRB, within the synthetic cell. When exposed to the chemical rapamycin, these proteins triggered a process known as actin polymerization. This reorganization of the synthetic cell's skeleton resulted in a rod-like structure that exerted pressure on the cell membrane, causing it to bend. This process illustrates the potential for synthetic cells to respond to specific chemical signals, opening the door for new medical applications. 'Men Can Smell When You're Fertile' as Study Finds Women's Ovulation Scent Triggers Happiness and Sparks Explosive Debate Over Biology and Consent Future Directions and Challenges The researchers plan to enhance these synthetic cells further, equipping them with the ability to move toward desired targets. By doing so, they hope to create synthetic cells capable of targeted drug delivery, environmental sensing, and other applications where precise movement is crucial. The development of such technology could have far-reaching implications, not only in medicine but also in fields that require responsive and adaptive systems. Despite the promising results, challenges remain. The complexity of replicating natural cellular processes in synthetic systems requires continued research and innovation. Collaborations between scientists from various disciplines will be essential to overcome these hurdles and realize the full potential of synthetic cells. The research team, supported by funding from several prestigious institutions, is committed to advancing this field and exploring new possibilities for synthetic biology. As scientists continue to explore the capabilities of synthetic cells, questions remain about their potential applications and limitations. Will these advancements lead to safer and more effective medical treatments, or will they introduce new ethical and technical challenges? The future of synthetic biology promises both exciting opportunities and complex dilemmas that researchers must navigate thoughtfully. This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (26)
France 24
2 hours ago
- France 24
Swiss president rushes to US to avert steep tariffs
Switzerland faces a 39-percent duty, one of the highest among the dozens of economies that will be hit by new tariffs expected to come into force from Thursday. President Karin Keller-Sutter and Economy Minister Guy Parmelin were heading to Washington "to facilitate meetings with the US authorities at short notice and hold talks with a view to improving the tariff situation for Switzerland", the government said in a statement. "The aim is to present a more attractive offer to the United States in a bid to lower the level of reciprocal tariffs for Swiss exports, taking US concerns into account." US President Donald Trump had originally threatened in April to slap a 31-percent tariff on Switzerland. But he surprised the export-driven country last week when he decided to hike the rate to 39 percent despite numerous discussions between Swiss and US officials aimed at reaching a deal. The Swiss government noted that the country will be hit by much higher tariffs than what other wealthy economies, such as Britain, Japan or the European Union, are facing. The Swiss government held an emergency meeting on Monday. During the extraordinary meeting, the government "reaffirmed that it was keen to pursue talks with the United States on the tariff situation", Tuesday's statement said. "For this reason," the president and the economy minister "are to travel to Washington on Tuesday". US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, however, indicated on Sunday that the tariffs on global trading partners which are coming into force this week were unlikely to change. "These tariff rates are pretty much set," Greer told CBS television's Face the Nation program. Swiss surplus Keller-Sutter, who is also the country's finance minister, and Parmelin, who is also the vice president, took off on Tuesday morning, a Swiss government official said. They will be accompanied by a small delegation, including the heads of the economy and international finance departments, but no business leaders. The government said it will "issue a statement as soon as there are any relevant developments for the public". Swiss companies have urged the government to negotiate a lower tariff. The United States is a key trading partner for Switzerland, taking 18.6 percent of its total exports last year, according to Swiss customs data. Keller-Sutter has said Trump believes that Switzerland "steals" from the United States by enjoying a trade surplus of 40 billion Swiss francs ($50 billion). Pharmaceuticals represented 60 percent of Swiss goods exports to the United States last year, followed by machinery and metalworking at 20 percent and watches at eight percent.
