Jakarta, INTI - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) continues to strengthen its strategic role in advancing industrial radiation technology through the IAEA Collaborating Centres Webinar Series, titled “Tech Talk – Advancing Industrial Radiation Technology,” held online on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The event focused on innovations in low-cost X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) technology and the application of AI-based Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) to support industrial needs and disaster management.
Celina Horak, Section Head of Radiochemistry and Radiation Technology at the IAEA, emphasized that Industrial X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) technology is increasingly critical for enhancing quality, safety, and innovation in industry. According to her, X-ray CT allows high-precision internal inspections of materials and structures, but its use must be accompanied by proper safety standards and skilled personnel.
“This technology brings significant benefits, but it requires reliable measurements, effective radiation protection, and skilled manpower,” she said.
Celina also highlighted the role of IAEA Collaborating Centres in translating global guidelines into national applications. “Collaborating centres turn global guidance into local capabilities through training, testing, and pilot projects,” she added.
Opening the webinar, Maman Kartaman, representing BRIN’s Nuclear Energy Research Organization, noted that Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is a key technology for maintaining the safety and reliability of industrial facilities. “NDT plays a crucial role in ensuring facility integrity while protecting humans and the environment,” he said.
He also highlighted the long-term support provided by the IAEA for building Indonesia’s capacity in nuclear and radiation technology. According to Maman, collaborations through various national, regional, and research programs have yielded tangible impacts, particularly in human resource development and technology transfer. The development of X-ray CT systems is one example of technology transfer facilitated by the IAEA.
Furthermore, Maman explained that Indonesia has been designated as an IAEA Collaborating Centre for NDT since 2015, and BRIN has now applied to extend this collaboration for a third term. “This reflects Indonesia’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the IAEA,” he emphasized.
During the technical session, Kristedjo Kurnianto, a researcher at BRIN’s Nuclear Beam Analysis Technology Research Center, explained that the development of low-cost X-ray CT systems aims to address limited access to commercial industrial CT systems.
“Commercial industrial CT systems are generally very expensive, making them inaccessible for many research institutions and industries. Therefore, we are developing a lower-cost X-ray CT system that can still be used for a wide range of applications,” Kristedjo said.
The CT system developed by BRIN is designed using a modular approach and more affordable components, without compromising its core function as a Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) inspection tool.
“This approach allows CT technology to be used more broadly, not only for industrial component inspections, but also for material research, agriculture, and other fields that require internal imaging without damaging the objects,” Kristedjo explained.
According to Kristedjo, this development aligns with IAEA programs and recommendations and supports BRIN’s efforts to promote national technological independence through research-based innovations.
AI-Enhanced NDT for Disaster Management
In the following session, Hannah Asamoah Affum, an Industrial Technologist at the IAEA, emphasized the importance of AI-enhanced NDT technology in disaster management, particularly for technical assessment of infrastructure.
“After a disaster, it is crucial to assess building structures quickly and accurately. NDT allows us to detect damage that is not visible to the eye, so decisions can be made more safely and precisely,” Hannah said.
She explained that integrating AI into NDT methods significantly improves data analysis processes, especially by speeding up inspection result interpretation and maintaining evaluation consistency.
“With the support of AI, assessments can be conducted faster and data-driven, which is critically needed in post-disaster emergency situations,” she added.
Through the launch of the new IAEA Coordinated Research Project (CRP) F22087, Hannah further noted that the program will develop protocols, training guidelines, and global standards for the application of AI-augmented NDT, strengthening the disaster preparedness of member states.
The webinar reinforced BRIN’s role as part of the IAEA Collaborating Centres, highlighting its contributions to international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and applied research development in industrial radiation technology.
Conclusion
BRIN’s development of modular CT systems and AI-enhanced NDT showcases the agency’s commitment to advancing industrial radiation technology. By combining cost-effective innovation with international collaboration, BRIN is strengthening Indonesia’s technological independence and contributing to safer, more precise industrial and disaster management solutions.
Read more: BRIN and Huazhong Agricultural University Strengthen Collaboration in Agricultural and Food Research