The Applied Nuclear Physics (ANP) Program has pioneered research that leverages computer vision and robotics to improve the ability of radiation detection systems to operate in uncontrolled environments. This research led to the creation of the Scene Data Fusion (SDF) technique and free-moving radiation imaging systems, advances in associating tracked objects with radiological signatures, and has enabled ANP to demonstrate that non-radiological information such as a semantically segmented 3D geometry can be used to better the understanding of the radiological environment within that location.

Building upon the invention of SDF, ANP researchers are now using fused 3D geometry and radiological data to provide inputs to ground-based and aerial robots. These robots may find uncontrolled radioactive sources in the environment or automatically conduct safeguards measurements in nuclear facilities.