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AtkinsRéalis develops immersive room for nuclear decommissioning
Justin Stanton Editor, CM Digital
Inside the new immersive environment for nuclear decommissioning, developed by AtkinsRéalis, Sellafield and Igloo Vision. Image: Sellafield Ltd
AtkinsRéalis, Sellafield Ltd and Igloo Vision have developed an immersive, virtual environment from which to plan and deliver nuclear decommissioning work more safely.
Based at the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration (RAICo1) facility in West Cumbria, the initiative brings together remotely operated robotics systems and data visualisation in a single interactive space. Designed to accommodate up to 10 users, the 360-degree visual environment is expected to reduce time spent in hazardous environments by up to 40%, using robotics and live data streaming to enable remote operations and monitoring.
A team planning work in a restricted area can walk the route virtually, with live imagery from robotic platforms on site displayed as conditions change.
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The facility also provides a dedicated space for collaborative operations planning, enabling multidisciplinary teams to test approaches and respond quickly to emerging issues.
Richard Brook, digital solutions lead for nuclear at AtkinsRéalis, said: “Decommissioning some of the UK’s most complex nuclear facilities requires teams to make critical decisions efficiently and safely. This new capability gives nuclear and engineering experts a completely different way to engage with information. Teams can better visualise challenges and work through solutions together before activities begin on site.
“What’s particularly innovative is the way we’re bringing immersive technology and robotics together in one place. That’s creating new opportunities to reduce risk, improve efficiency and help accelerate the delivery of decommissioning programmes.”
Smarter, safer and more connected
The project builds on expertise gained through AtkinsRéalis’ Lava Lab network and the delivery of Sellafield’s immersive facility at Hinton House in Risley, Cheshire, applying proven immersive technologies to support safer and more efficient decommissioning projects.
Rav Chunilal, head of robotics and artificial intelligence at Sellafield Ltd, said: “What excites me most is not the technology itself, but the opportunity to fundamentally change how we tackle some of the most complex challenges in nuclear decommissioning.
“We’ve spent the last few years building capability across robotics, AI, digital twins and remote operations, and this is another important step on that journey. By allowing our people to explore, test and understand complex environments before work begins, we’re creating a safer, smarter and more connected way of working.
“The Immersion Room at Hinton House in Cheshire is already demonstrating the value of immersive environments, bringing together and enabling teams to collaborate on simulation models of our nuclear facilities. With RAICo1 now providing a dedicated environment for innovation, development and demonstration, and a further immersive capability being developed on the Sellafield site itself, we’re creating a connected ecosystem that links innovation and operational planning to frontline delivery.”
Kerry Head, CEO at Igloo Vision, added: “For Igloo Vision, this is exactly where immersive environments can make a meaningful difference, helping expert teams collaborate more effectively, reduce time spent in hazardous settings and support safer, more efficient delivery across nuclear decommissioning programmes.”
