Course on Ethics in Communicating Robotic Failures
Online course of 300 h in Ethics in Communicating Robotic Failures. 6 modules covering CSN Instruction IS-10 (Spain) (event reporting criteria), 10 CFR 50.73 (reportable event reports) and NVivo. Dedicated tutor and enrolment open.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Classify the types of failure in nuclear robotics.
Apply the ethical principles of truthfulness and transparency.
Interpret regulatory event-reporting requirements.
Adapt risk communication to different audiences.
Analyse real cases of failure communication.
Promote organisational learning after a failure.
Draw up a robotic failure communication plan.
Who it's for
- Risk communication manager looking to specialise in Ethics in Communicating Robotic Failures.
- Technology ethics specialist looking to specialise in Ethics in Communicating Robotic Failures.
- Nuclear robotics engineer looking to specialise in Ethics in Communicating Robotic Failures.
- Operating experience analyst looking to specialise in Ethics in Communicating Robotic Failures.
- Technical spokesperson looking to specialise in Ethics in Communicating Robotic Failures.
- Crisis management consultant looking to specialise in Ethics in Communicating Robotic Failures.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to move into nuclear power plants.
What you'll work with
- CSN Instruction IS-10 (Spain) (event reporting criteria)
- 10 CFR 50.73 (reportable event reports)
- INES scale (International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale)
- IAEA GSR Part 7 (emergency preparedness and response)
- ISO 31000 (risk management)
- IEEE 7001 (transparency of autonomous systems)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Robots at Fukushima Daiichi: PackBot, Quince and Scorpion1.2Robots at Chernobyl and the roof clean-up1.3Radiation-induced failure modes in electronics1.4Communication and tether failures1.5Mechanical failures and jamming in confined environments1.6Perception and localisation failures1.7Failure classification: FMEA in robotics1.8The difference between a failure, an incident and a reportable event1.9Public expectations of robotics1.10Case study: the Scorpion robot in Unit 2
2.1The duty of truthfulness and transparency2.2Proactive versus reactive disclosure2.3Communicating technical uncertainty2.4Avoiding both downplaying and alarmism2.5Just culture and blame-free reporting2.6The conflict between reputation and transparency2.7Manufacturers' commercial confidentiality2.8Restricted physical security information2.9Shared responsibility between operator and supplier2.10Workshop: analysing real statements about failed robots
3.1Event reporting in nuclear regulations3.2The INES scale and its application to equipment3.3The IAEA and NEA IRS system3.4Operating experience reports3.5EU Machinery Regulation 2023/12303.6ISO 10218 and ISO/TS 15066 in robot safety3.7The EU AI Act and high-risk systems3.8Reporting of serious AI incidents3.9Robot data logging and traceability3.10Practice: writing an event report
4.1Sandman's risk communication models4.2Risk perception and robotics4.3Communication with workers and trade unions4.4Communication with local authorities4.5Media relations4.6Social media and disinformation4.7Visualising failure data4.8Accessible language for technical information4.9Communication in emergency situations4.10Case study: press conference after a robotic failure
5.1Root cause analysis in robotics5.2The five whys method and the Ishikawa diagram5.3Blameless post-incident reviews5.4Sharing lessons between organisations5.5Robotic failure databases5.6Design improvement based on failures5.7Radiation qualification testing5.8Managing expectations in new deployments5.9Organisational transparency indicators5.10Workshop: post-incident review of a simulated failure
6.1Defining the failure scenario6.2Technical analysis of the failure6.3Identifying audiences and their needs6.4Applicable reporting obligations6.5Message and channel design6.6Learning and follow-up plan6.7Ethical assessment of the plan6.8Summary of conclusions6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable materials, recorded classes and a dedicated technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake period, making it easy to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standards and applied exercises. The software used is NVivo, TapRooT (root cause analysis), Advanced Excel, Canva, in free, academic or trial versions. Testing is studied through real procedures from analysis of real failure statements, press conference simulations, incident root cause analysis. Assessment is continuous for each module, plus a final capstone project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Classify the types of failure in nuclear robotics.
Apply the ethical principles of truthfulness and transparency.
Interpret regulatory event-reporting requirements.
Adapt risk communication to different audiences.
Analyse real cases of failure communication.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No previous qualification is required.
- An internet connection and a computer able to run the programme software.
- A level of English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with NVivo, TapRooT (root cause analysis), Advanced Excel, Canva. Free, academic or trial versions are used, and your tutor will point out a free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the capstone project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state-accredited degree.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
Course in Kinetic Models of Nuclear Reactors
Online 300-hour course in kinetic models of nuclear reactors. 6 modules covering ANSI/ANS-19.6.1 (start-up physics tests after refuelling in PWRs), ANSI/ANS-5.1 (decay heat in light water…
International Regulation in Reactor Design Course
Online 300-hour course in international regulation in reactor design. 6 modules covering IAEA SSR-2/1 (Rev.1) (Safety of Nuclear Power Plants: Design), IAEA SSG-2 (Rev.1) (Deterministic Safety…
Course on Comparative Studies of U, Pu and Th
300-hour online course in comparative studies of U, Pu and Th. 6 modules covering the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), IAEA INFCIRC/153 (comprehensive…
More in Nuclear Engineering & Nuclear Fuel Cycle Technologies
All Nuclear Engineering & Nuclear Fuel Cycle Technologies programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships