A newly developed augmented reality (AR) tour is changing the way the Savannah River Site (SRS) approaches facility planning, training and safety.
Created by the extended reality (XR) team at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), the AR experience offers a detailed virtual walkthrough of the High-Fidelity Training and Operations Center (HFTOC) for the future Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility (SRPPF), according to a press release from SRNS.
Led by John Hart of the SRNS Operational Technology Advanced Initiatives group and Jason Britt of the Pit Production Operations and Programs (PPOP) Emerging Technologies group, the immersive tour was designed to help stakeholders visualize the future layout and functionality of the HFTOC, complete with gloveboxes, specialized equipment and operational workspaces.
“The HFTOC is an integral piece to the success of SRPPF,” said Director of Pit Production Patrick Schneider. “Creating the AR tour aligns with the team’s commitment to enhancing planning, training and operational readiness for the facility.”
The tour was developed using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) drawings to create Digital Twin models of the facility. These models were integrated into an AR environment with realistic textures, lighting, and spatial design, and optimized for use with hands-free, immersive AR goggles, according to a press release from SRNS.
The result is a near-realistic preview of the HFTOC that blends digital elements into the physical world.
Benefits of the AR tour include:
- Improved operational planning: PPOP leadership can explore the virtual HFTOC to better anticipate spatial and functional requirements.
- Informed decision making: Real-time visualization reveals design efficiencies and areas for refinement.
- Enhanced collaboration: Stakeholders can meet within the shared virtual environment to align on planning.
- Heightened safety: Reduces the need for in-person site visits during construction phases.
Building on this success, SRNS plans to expand AR capabilities to other facilities such as the Machining Training Center and various on-site processing areas.
“The AR tour is more than just a technological achievement,” said Director of PPOP Emerging Technologies Shakeel Khan. “It’s a crucial advancement in how we train, plan, and prepare teams for critical missions at SRPPF. This kind of innovation is paving the way for operational excellence at SRS.”
