Complex nuclear projects often require solutions that do not yet exist. ATS works alongside nuclear operators, reactor developers, and industry partners to engineer, prototype, test, and refine specialized solutions that address unique technical challenges. From early proof-of-principle development to fully engineered custom tooling, our teams help reduce uncertainty and move innovative concepts toward reliable deployment.
The Challenges We Address with Design Engineering
Understanding where nuclear projects often slow down or carry hidden risk.
First-of-a-Kind Engineering
New nuclear technologies and complex refurbishment activities often require solutions with limited or no existing precedent. ATS applies proven engineering methodologies to develop and validate new approaches while reducing FOAK risk.
Complex Technical Requirements
Nuclear applications can involve tight spatial constraints, radiation, underwater environments, remote operation, precision requirements, and demanding performance specifications. Our multidisciplinary engineering teams design solutions around these constraints from the outset.
Design Uncertainty
Unproven concepts can create costly changes later in the project lifecycle. Proof-of-principle development and early testing help validate critical design assumptions before significant investment is made.
Integration Challenges
Custom tooling must work seamlessly with existing plant systems, infrastructure, equipment, and operator workflows. ATS considers the complete operating environment to develop solutions that integrate effectively into the customer’s processes.
Schedule & Cost Pressure
Engineering changes late in a project can have significant impacts on schedule and budget. Early engineering validation, simulation, prototyping, and testing help identify issues sooner and improve project predictability.
Reliability & Maintainability
Nuclear systems must perform reliably under demanding conditions and often need to operate for extended periods between maintenance activities. ATS engineers solutions with performance, reliability, maintainability, and lifecycle requirements in mind.
Our Solutions
Approaches designed to reduce risk and improve execution at each stage.
Proof of Principle Studies (POP)
Transform a concept into a validated solution through engineering analysis, prototypes, mock-ups, testing, and iterative development. POP studies helps confirm that a proposed approach can meet technical and operational requirements before progressing to full-scale design and deployment.
Our Engineering Approach
A proven process that takes your concept from initial idea to reliable, deployable solution.
Define
Work with customers to understand technical requirements, operating environments, constraints, and performance objectives.
Design
Develop engineering concepts using multidisciplinary expertise across mechanical, electrical, controls, software, and automation disciplines.
Prototype
Build prototypes and proof-of-principle systems to test critical design assumptions and demonstrate functionality.
Test
Validate performance through simulation, mock-ups, factory testing, and realistic operating scenarios.
Refine
Use test results and customer feedback to optimize the design before final deployment.
Deploy
Deliver a fully engineered, tested solution ready for integration into the customer’s nuclear environment.
Key Benefits
The advantages of partnering with ATS Nuclear Energy Solutions.
Reduce FOAK Risk
Validate new concepts through proof-of-principle development, prototyping, and testing before committing to full-scale implementation.
Improve Design Confidence
Test critical engineering assumptions early to identify potential challenges before they become costly changes in the field.
Accelerate Development
Bring together engineering, automation, prototyping, and testing capabilities under one team to move solutions from concept to deployment efficiently.
Design for the Nuclear Environment
Develop solutions specifically around the realities of nuclear applications, including radiation, confined spaces, underwater operation, remote access, and stringent quality requirements.
Improve Reliability & Repeatability
Engineer systems that deliver consistent performance through controlled, repeatable processes and robust design methodologies.
Optimize Lifecycle Value
Consider maintainability, reliability, integration, and future operational requirements from the beginning to create solutions that deliver value throughout their lifecycle.
Applications
ATS applies design engineering expertise across a range of complex nuclear applications.
SMR Refueling Systems
Develop specialized engineering and tooling solutions to support the unique refuelling requirements of emerging SMR designs. Proof-of-principle development can validate fuel handling concepts, mechanisms, access requirements, and automated sequences before full-scale system development.
Reactor Component Replacement
Engineer custom tooling to support the removal and installation of major reactor components during refurbishment. Solutions can be designed around tight tolerances, confined spaces, underwater environments, remote operation, and strict outage schedules.
Reactor Segmentation & Dismantling
Develop custom cutting, positioning, and handling systems for the segmentation of reactor components and large equipment. Engineering considers material characteristics, radiological environments, underwater operation, waste handling, and required cut geometry.
Underwater Tooling
Design specialized tools and automated systems capable of performing inspection, cutting, manipulation, or maintenance activities underwater. Proof-of-principle testing and realistic mock-ups help validate performance before deployment in challenging environments.
Nuclear Fuel Fabrication
Engineer automated systems for fuel manufacturing, assembly, inspection, and material handling. Solutions can be designed for controlled environments such as hot cells and glove boxes, where precision, containment, repeatability, and remote operation are critical.
Inspection & Maintenance
Develop custom tooling and automated systems that improve the inspection, maintenance, and monitoring of critical nuclear equipment. Engineering can incorporate sensors, robotics, machine vision, and automated positioning to improve accuracy and reduce manual intervention.
Waste Handling & Packaging
Create specialized tooling and automated handling systems for radioactive waste, including positioning, segmentation, packaging, and transfer. Solutions are engineered to improve operator safety, process consistency, and waste management efficiency.
First-of-a-Kind Nuclear Applications
When an application has no proven solution, ATS can support the journey from initial concept through proof of principle, prototype development, testing, detailed engineering, and deployment.
Have a Complex Nuclear Engineering Challenge?
From proof of principle to fully engineered custom tooling, ATS works with nuclear partners to turn challenging requirements into proven, deployable solutions.