This research project focuses on creating and evaluating immersive digital twin systems for next-generation fusion engineering facilities, like STEP, CHIMERA, and LIBRTI. With the help of Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), the project will investigate how spatial interfaces can be used to advantage in predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and collaborative decision making. This research project aims to develop and evaluate design principles for AR/VR-based digital twins to enhance engineering workflows and decision-making in nuclear fusion research. The study will explore how immersive environments can improve human-in-the-loop interaction, real-time control, and collaborative problem-solving in fusion engineering by integrating CAD, simulation, AI models, and diagnostic data into cohesive digital environments. Through technical development, AI-driven enhancements, and usability studies, this research seeks to establish best practices for deploying AR/VR tools and digital twins in the fusion industry.
The project will combine technical development with user-centred design, producing a functional prototype and empirically grounded design guidelines. Hosted in collaboration with UKAEA, the project will contribute to digital engineering capabilities for the UK’s fusion programme.
The primary research questions for the project are; (1) How can a seamless pipeline be developed for integrating CAD, simulation, AI models, and other fusion data into digital twin environments? This establishes the technical feasibility of integrating fusion engineering data streams (e.g., CAD models, simulations, diagnostics) within a unified digital twin framework. (2) How can digital twins be enhanced to support predictive maintenance and real-time control in fusion systems? This focuses on developing immersive digital twins that leverage AR/VR for monitoring and controlling fusion devices. Possible exploration of AI-driven predictive maintenance, co-creation, and decision-making use cases relevant to fusion industry. (3) What are the benefits of immersive VR environments for improving engineering workflows and decision-making in nuclear fusion research? With a working AR/VR data pipeline and digital twin framework, this research will investigate how immersive environments enhance engineering workflows, collaboration, and decision-making. It will evaluate the impact of VR-driven interaction in high-stakes engineering scenarios by conducting design usability studies.
The project requires applicants interested in the overlap of immersive technology, engineering informatics, and energy systems, and offers the opportunity to directly contribute to the operation and design of next generation fusion facilities.
This EngD project is set within the Fusion Engineering CDT at the University of Manchester with the UK Atomic Energy Authority. Students will recieve a 3-month training programme in fusion engineering at the start of the course, delivered across the CDT partner universities. An EngD is closely linked to the industrial supervisor at UKAEA, and students are expected to undertake a placement.
Apply for this project at The University of Manchester here
fusion_cdt
