Frequently Asked Questions About AI

On this page:

• How is the NRC preparing for the use of AI in NRC-regulated activities?
• How is the NRC engaging with external stakeholders with respect to AI?
• How is the NRC engaging internationally on AI topics with regulatory counterparts and stakeholders?
• How does the NRC's regulatory framework apply to artificial intelligence?
• How is the NRC advancing the use of AI for internal activities?
• How is the NRC enabling improved tools such as the Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) to enable development of AI solutions?

Index to All Frequently Asked Questions Pages

How is the NRC preparing for the use of AI in NRC-regulated activities?

The NRC is taking a proactive, structured approach to preparing for the potential use of artificial intelligence in nuclear applications. Preparation activities include research on AI technologies, evaluation of how existing regulations and guidance apply to AI, development of internal expertise, and engagement with domestic and international partners. These efforts are guided by the NRC’s AI Project Plan and are intended to ensure the agency is ready to evaluate AI-enabled tools in a manner that supports safety, security, and transparency as AI technologies continue to mature.

How is the NRC engaging with external stakeholders with respect to AI?

The NRC engages externally through public workshops, technical exchanges, and collaborative research to promote shared understanding of AI technologies and their potential regulatory implications. The NRC hosts an annual series of Artificial Intelligence Regulatory Applications Public Workshops and Symposia that bring together NRC staff, external experts, industry representatives, and academic researchers to discuss AI use cases, emerging risks, research findings, and regulatory considerations. Feedback from these engagements helps inform NRC research priorities, readiness activities, and ongoing discussions about the responsible use of AI in nuclear contexts.

How is the NRC engaging internationally on AI topics with regulatory counterparts and stakeholders?

The NRC actively collaborates with international regulatory and research organizations to exchange information, share best practices, and support alignment on AI-related regulatory considerations. This includes trilateral collaborations with Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, as well as technical exchanges conducted through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). These engagements address both principles-based considerations and applied research on AI use in nuclear oversight, supporting consistent and informed approaches to AI across the global nuclear regulatory community.

How does the NRC’s regulatory framework apply to artificial intelligence?

The NRC does not regulate artificial intelligence as a standalone technology. Instead, the NRC evaluates how AI-enabled tools may be used within activities that fall under its existing regulatory authority. To support this evaluation, the NRC conducted a regulatory framework applicability (gap) analysis to examine whether existing regulations and guidance are flexible and adequate to accommodate the potential use of AI in nuclear applications. The analysis found that the current regulatory framework is generally sufficient, while identifying targeted areas where additional clarification or guidance may be beneficial. The NRC uses these insights to inform future research, guidance development, and readiness activities as AI technologies continue to evolve.

How is the NRC advancing the use of AI for internal activities?

To effectively use AI and ensure long-term success, the NRC will develop a framework to integrate AI into the agency's operations. This involves investing in foundational tools to support the implementation of several use cases.

How is the NRC enabling improved tools such as the Agencywide Documents Access and Management System (ADAMS) to enable development of AI solutions?

AI played a role in transforming our internal database known as ADAMS. The NRC used AI-powered cognitive search technology to create an enhanced ADAMS search engine referred to as ADAMS Content Search which significantly streamlined search processes for the staff and provided a more modern search interface similar to commonly available public web search capabilities. This project offered valuable insights into practical uses of available AI tools. The NRC launched a public version of this tool, known as ADAMS Public Search, in January 2025.