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Markets
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Services
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Location
Trawsfynydd, UK
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Client
Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS)
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Completion date
2026
Marvin Johnson
Head of Extended Reality XR, London, United Kingdom contact form+442032148722
Background
As part of a “lead and learn” approach, the Trawsfynydd team partnered with AtkinsRéalis to explore how Extended Reality technologies could strengthen planning, communication and operational readiness. The site already had detailed three-dimensional Scheme Design models, creating a strong foundation to test immersive tools in a live project environment.
Please note that you are now leaving the AtkinsRéalis website (legal name: AtkinsRéalis Group inc.) and entering a website maintained by a third party (the "External Website") and that you do so at your own risk.
AtkinsRéalis has no control over the External Website, any data or other content contained therein or any additional linked websites. The link to the External Website is provided for convenience purposes only. By clicking "Accept" you acknowledge and agree that AtkinsRéalis is not responsible, and does not accept or assume any responsibility or liability whatsoever for the data protection policy, the content, the data or the technical operation of the External Website and/or any linked websites and that AtkinsRéalis is not liable for the terms and conditions (or terms of use) of the External Website. Further, you acknowledge and agree that you assume all risks resulting from entering and/or using the External Website and/or any linked websites.
BY ENTERING THE EXTERNAL WEBSITE, YOU ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT YOU COMPLETELY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHTS AND CLAIMS AGAINST ATKINSRÉALIS, AND RELEASE, DISCHARGE, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS ATKINSRÉALIS, ITS OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, DIRECTORS AND AGENTS FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LIABILITY FOR LOSS, DAMAGES, EXPENSES AND COSTS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH ENTERING AND/OR USING THE EXTERNAL WEBSITE AND/OR ANY LINKED WEBSITES AND ANY DATA AND/OR CONTENT CONTAINED THEREIN.
Such waiver and release specifically includes, without limitation, any and all rights and claims pertaining to reliance on the data or content of the External Website, or claims pertaining to the processing of personal data, including but not limited to any rights under any applicable data protection statute. You also recognize by clicking “Accept” that the terms of this disclaimer are reasonable.
The information provided by Virtua Research cited herein is provided “as is” and “as available” without warranty of any kind. Use of any Virtua Research data is at a user’s own risk and Virtua Research disclaims any liability for use of the Virtua Research data. Although the information is obtained or compiled from reliable sources Virtua Research neither can nor does guarantee or make any representation or warranty, either express or implied, as to the accuracy, validity, sequence, timeliness, completeness or continued availability of any information or data, including third-party content, made available herein. In no event shall Virtua Research be liable for any decision made or action or inaction taken in reliance on any information or data, including third-party content. Virtua Research further explicitly disclaims, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any warranty of any kind, whether express or implied, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.
The consensus estimate provided by Virtua Research is based on estimates, forecasts and predictions made by third party financial analysts, as described above. It is not prepared based on information provided by AtkinsRéalis and can only be seen as a consensus view on AtkinsRéalis' possible future results from an outside perspective. AtkinsRéalis has not provided input on these forecasts, except by referring to past publicly disclosed information. AtkinsRéalis does not accept any responsibility for the quality or accuracy of any individual or average of forecasts or estimates. This web page contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by third parties. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between AtkinsRéalis' actual future results, financial situation, development or performance, and the estimates given here.
Reactor dismantling presents a set of challenges that are difficult to address using traditional tools alone.
Teams must understand complex spatial arrangements, plan work safely in constrained and radiological environments, and align a wide range of stakeholders around the same design intent.
Conventional drawings and screen-based models can only go so far in helping people visualise how designs will work in practice.
Key challenges included:
- Helping stakeholders interpret complex designs in a clear and intuitive way
- Allowing designers to assess layouts at true scale and identify clashes early
- Giving operational teams a safe way to experience proposed works before execution
- Exploring whether remote support could be used in constrained or hazardous areas
- Establishing a realistic view of where XR adds value and where it does not
A practical, evidence-based trial was needed before any wider rollout across the NRS estate.
Reactor dismantling presents a set of challenges that are difficult to address using traditional tools alone.
Teams must understand complex spatial arrangements, plan work safely in constrained and radiological environments, and align a wide range of stakeholders around the same design intent.
Conventional drawings and screen-based models can only go so far in helping people visualise how designs will work in practice.
Key challenges included:
- Helping stakeholders interpret complex designs in a clear and intuitive way
- Allowing designers to assess layouts at true scale and identify clashes early
- Giving operational teams a safe way to experience proposed works before execution
- Exploring whether remote support could be used in constrained or hazardous areas
- Establishing a realistic view of where XR adds value and where it does not
A practical, evidence-based trial was needed before any wider rollout across the NRS estate.
The solution
AtkinsRéalis designed and delivered a structured XR trial on site, bringing together a range of immersive technologies and applying them to real project use cases.
Four devices were deployed:
- Meta Quest
- DigiLens ARGO
- RealWear Navigator 520
- Microsoft HoloLens
These were used against live Scheme Design models to test three priority scenarios on Reactor 2:
- Visualising lifting systems and equipment in their actual location
- Using mixed reality to explore areas below the Pile Cap through digital cutaways
- Enabling remote collaboration using headset-based support tools
- A dedicated on-site setup was created to support the trial, including connectivity, power and XR-ready model integration. Users were able to move through full-scale digital representations positioned within the physical reactor environment, creating a direct link between design and reality
This approach aligned with AtkinsRéalis’ broader XR model, which focuses on giving frontline teams hands-free access to contextual information and integrating digital models with real-world workflows to improve decision making and efficiency.
Please note that you are now leaving the AtkinsRéalis website (legal name: AtkinsRéalis Group inc.) and entering a website maintained by a third party (the "External Website") and that you do so at your own risk.
AtkinsRéalis has no control over the External Website, any data or other content contained therein or any additional linked websites. The link to the External Website is provided for convenience purposes only. By clicking "Accept" you acknowledge and agree that AtkinsRéalis is not responsible, and does not accept or assume any responsibility or liability whatsoever for the data protection policy, the content, the data or the technical operation of the External Website and/or any linked websites and that AtkinsRéalis is not liable for the terms and conditions (or terms of use) of the External Website. Further, you acknowledge and agree that you assume all risks resulting from entering and/or using the External Website and/or any linked websites.
BY ENTERING THE EXTERNAL WEBSITE, YOU ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT YOU COMPLETELY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHTS AND CLAIMS AGAINST ATKINSRÉALIS, AND RELEASE, DISCHARGE, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS ATKINSRÉALIS, ITS OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, DIRECTORS AND AGENTS FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LIABILITY FOR LOSS, DAMAGES, EXPENSES AND COSTS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH ENTERING AND/OR USING THE EXTERNAL WEBSITE AND/OR ANY LINKED WEBSITES AND ANY DATA AND/OR CONTENT CONTAINED THEREIN.
Such waiver and release specifically includes, without limitation, any and all rights and claims pertaining to reliance on the data or content of the External Website, or claims pertaining to the processing of personal data, including but not limited to any rights under any applicable data protection statute. You also recognize by clicking “Accept” that the terms of this disclaimer are reasonable.
The information provided by Virtua Research cited herein is provided “as is” and “as available” without warranty of any kind. Use of any Virtua Research data is at a user’s own risk and Virtua Research disclaims any liability for use of the Virtua Research data. Although the information is obtained or compiled from reliable sources Virtua Research neither can nor does guarantee or make any representation or warranty, either express or implied, as to the accuracy, validity, sequence, timeliness, completeness or continued availability of any information or data, including third-party content, made available herein. In no event shall Virtua Research be liable for any decision made or action or inaction taken in reliance on any information or data, including third-party content. Virtua Research further explicitly disclaims, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any warranty of any kind, whether express or implied, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.
The consensus estimate provided by Virtua Research is based on estimates, forecasts and predictions made by third party financial analysts, as described above. It is not prepared based on information provided by AtkinsRéalis and can only be seen as a consensus view on AtkinsRéalis' possible future results from an outside perspective. AtkinsRéalis has not provided input on these forecasts, except by referring to past publicly disclosed information. AtkinsRéalis does not accept any responsibility for the quality or accuracy of any individual or average of forecasts or estimates. This web page contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by third parties. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between AtkinsRéalis' actual future results, financial situation, development or performance, and the estimates given here.
Immersive visualisation allowed stakeholders to experience designs at true scale, improving clarity and enabling faster consensus on key decisions.
Hands-free remote collaboration was successfully tested, showing how off-site experts could support on-site teams in future scenarios.
Wider market application
This project reflects a broader shift in how complex nuclear programmes are delivered.
XR is not being positioned as a standalone technology, but as part of an integrated digital ecosystem that connects design, planning and operations. It supports a move away from fragmented information and towards real-time, context-aware decision making.
For the wider nuclear sector, there are some key implications:
- Immersive tools can bridge the gap between design and execution
- Digital models can become operational assets, not just design outputs
- Remote collaboration can reduce the need for specialist presence on site
- Workforce capability can be extended through better access to information
The Trawsfynydd trial shows that XR can be applied in a practical, controlled way within safety-critical environments, providing tangible benefits without disrupting existing delivery models.
Please note that you are now leaving the AtkinsRéalis website (legal name: AtkinsRéalis Group inc.) and entering a website maintained by a third party (the "External Website") and that you do so at your own risk.
AtkinsRéalis has no control over the External Website, any data or other content contained therein or any additional linked websites. The link to the External Website is provided for convenience purposes only. By clicking "Accept" you acknowledge and agree that AtkinsRéalis is not responsible, and does not accept or assume any responsibility or liability whatsoever for the data protection policy, the content, the data or the technical operation of the External Website and/or any linked websites and that AtkinsRéalis is not liable for the terms and conditions (or terms of use) of the External Website. Further, you acknowledge and agree that you assume all risks resulting from entering and/or using the External Website and/or any linked websites.
BY ENTERING THE EXTERNAL WEBSITE, YOU ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT YOU COMPLETELY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHTS AND CLAIMS AGAINST ATKINSRÉALIS, AND RELEASE, DISCHARGE, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS ATKINSRÉALIS, ITS OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, DIRECTORS AND AGENTS FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LIABILITY FOR LOSS, DAMAGES, EXPENSES AND COSTS ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH ENTERING AND/OR USING THE EXTERNAL WEBSITE AND/OR ANY LINKED WEBSITES AND ANY DATA AND/OR CONTENT CONTAINED THEREIN.
Such waiver and release specifically includes, without limitation, any and all rights and claims pertaining to reliance on the data or content of the External Website, or claims pertaining to the processing of personal data, including but not limited to any rights under any applicable data protection statute. You also recognize by clicking “Accept” that the terms of this disclaimer are reasonable.
The information provided by Virtua Research cited herein is provided “as is” and “as available” without warranty of any kind. Use of any Virtua Research data is at a user’s own risk and Virtua Research disclaims any liability for use of the Virtua Research data. Although the information is obtained or compiled from reliable sources Virtua Research neither can nor does guarantee or make any representation or warranty, either express or implied, as to the accuracy, validity, sequence, timeliness, completeness or continued availability of any information or data, including third-party content, made available herein. In no event shall Virtua Research be liable for any decision made or action or inaction taken in reliance on any information or data, including third-party content. Virtua Research further explicitly disclaims, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any warranty of any kind, whether express or implied, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.
The consensus estimate provided by Virtua Research is based on estimates, forecasts and predictions made by third party financial analysts, as described above. It is not prepared based on information provided by AtkinsRéalis and can only be seen as a consensus view on AtkinsRéalis' possible future results from an outside perspective. AtkinsRéalis has not provided input on these forecasts, except by referring to past publicly disclosed information. AtkinsRéalis does not accept any responsibility for the quality or accuracy of any individual or average of forecasts or estimates. This web page contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by third parties. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between AtkinsRéalis' actual future results, financial situation, development or performance, and the estimates given here.
The XR trials at Trawsfynydd demonstrate how immersive technologies can improve understanding, reduce risk and strengthen delivery in one of the most challenging areas of nuclear decommissioning.
By grounding the work in real project needs and testing it in a live environment, AtkinsRéalis and NRS have created a credible, scalable approach to XR adoption, with clear value for both current projects and the future of the nuclear sector.
The XR trials at Trawsfynydd demonstrate how immersive technologies can improve understanding, reduce risk and strengthen delivery in one of the most challenging areas of nuclear decommissioning.
By grounding the work in real project needs and testing it in a live environment, AtkinsRéalis and NRS have created a credible, scalable approach to XR adoption, with clear value for both current projects and the future of the nuclear sector.
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