Augmented reality and virtual reality transform SRS pit production operations

• May 19, 2024
  
  

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies are revolutionizing efforts to modernize pit production operations (PPO) at the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility (SRPPF). Teams are developing cutting-edge AR/VR solutions to streamline the design of equipment within the SRPPF facility, improving efficiency and saving millions in the procurement process.

“The SRPPF and PPO organizations are not only harvesting AR/VR technology but also continuing to explore innovative ways to leverage this technology in the creation of a digital and modern manufacturing facility,” said Shakeel Khan, Director, Information Services. “The success of this venture has largely been a result of collaboration between Operations, Design Agencies, Training and Knowledge Preservation.”

During Fiscal Year (FY)23 and FY24, the team took a strategic leap into the future of design, initiating a Model Based Design project, which allows stakeholders a virtual tour of the SRPPF Main Process Building (MPB). This approach has enhanced the design of the MPB, providing users with a vision of the facility's operational dynamics and the ability to identify potential design improvements. As construction efforts increase, the technology is also enabling safe navigation of the facility by reducing the number of visitors and stakeholders requiring in-person access.

In addition, integration of AR/VR technology has led to improvements within the design review process, as the team identifies potential issues at an early stage. This reduces the risk of delays, increasing cost savings and benchmarking future projects within the organization.

Members of the team recently attended the Second Annual Extended Reality (XR) Symposium at the Oak Ridge Enhanced Tech and Training Center. A key objective of the Symposium included collaboration with other DOE sites, industry vendors and academia, with a focus on XR technologies. Discussions and demonstrations held during the Symposium provided insight into the future of AR, VR, XR and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in various industries, with examples ranging from improved headsets to tabletop holographs used for command and control.

"The challenge of security concerns continues to be echoed across the DOE complex,” said Khan. “As risks are identified, a collaborative effort to mitigate them will speed the adoption of these various technologies across the board. In an age where technology is changing the way we work and collaborate, SRPPF and PPO are at the forefront of embracing these advancements, ensuring that the pit production operations effort progresses with the highest levels of safety and efficiency.