Oak Ridge National Laboratory used 3D printing and artificial‑intelligence tools to fabricate concrete shielding for the Hermes Low‑Power Demonstration Reactor in East Tennessee. Large sections were completed in just 14 days, a timeline that would have taken weeks with conventional methods. While the approach promises faster, cheaper, and more flexible nuclear construction, officials stress that long‑term durability and rigorous quality checks are essential. The integration of AI raises questions about oversight and the potential for unnoticed design errors, highlighting a balance between efficiency and safety as the industry adapts to rising energy demands. Read more →