At the nation’s only all-digital nuclear reactor, engineers conduct the first ex

[Marlin]

At the nation's only all-digital nuclear reactor, engineers conduct the first experiments of their kind in the U.S.

https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/2026/Q3/at-the-nations-only-all-digital-nuclear-reactor-engineers-conduct-the-first-experiments-of-their-kind-in-the-u-s/

[Core Content]

Purdue University is utilizing its PUR-1 research reactor to conduct experiments on digital instrumentation and control systems. As the only U.S. reactor licensed with an all-digital nervous system, the facility serves as a test bed for remote monitoring, autonomous control, and cybersecurity techniques intended for next-generation nuclear power plants.

These research efforts aim to lower operational costs and improve safety for small modular reactors and microreactors. By developing digital twins and testing artificial intelligence for real-time performance monitoring, engineers are establishing frameworks for the remote operation of future reactor fleets. This work provides the industry with data on managing cybersecurity risks and protecting communications through advanced encryption methods.

Purdue University Reactor Number One has specific features that no other reactor in the U.S. has. Purdue's reactor is controlled and operated digitally — think computer screens, keyboards and ethernet cables — rather than with dials, knobs and other analog technology.

The experiments could accelerate the deployment of advanced reactors by testing new capabilities that may help lower costs, increase safety and lifespan

Purdue University's 64-year-old reactor gained capabilities in 2019 that next-generation reactors will also have when they are built, making it an ideal facility for testing AI, remote monitoring, autonomous control and advanced cybersecurity techniques newer reactors will be able to use. (Purdue University photo/John Underwood)

Read the full article at News:
https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/2026/Q3/at-the-nations-only-all-digital-nuclear-reactor-engineers-conduct-the-first-experiments-of-their-kind-in-the-u-s/