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Markets
Nuclear
Marvin Johnson
Head of Extended Reality XR, London, United Kingdom contact form+442032148722
Extended Reality (XR) is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here, and it’s reshaping how we interact with the world. From smart glasses to wearable tech, hands-free photo and video capture is becoming the norm. Google’s integration of conversational AI into wearables takes it further, allowing users to query and document their surroundings in real time.
These innovations are blending physical and digital experiences, transforming how we engage with data—whether for entertainment, productivity, or industrial operations. While consumer adoption of semi-immersive devices is still evolving, the software ecosystem is racing ahead. Intelligent interfaces powered by autonomous data agents are emerging, capable of delivering real-time, contextual micro-services that enhance how we work and collaborate.
In the nuclear sector, XR has already made its debut through various proof-of-concepts. The next step is clear: move beyond experimentation and embrace scalable, modular XR solutions that integrate with existing Common Data Environments (CDEs). This shift can unlock real operational value—boosting safety, efficiency, and decision-making in some of the most complex environments.
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A Familiar Pattern in a New Industry
Like other industries before it—rail, aviation, oil and gas—nuclear is now facing the challenge of turning XR potential into practical, scalable solutions. The sector has seen immersive virtual reality used for design and review, but the real opportunity lies in operational transformation.
In safety-critical environments, XR can reduce time on task and time on site. Remote expert video calls, voice-guided procedures, immersive training, and digital twin integration all offer clear benefits. Yet adoption remains cautious. The leap from concept to deployment often stumbles over two key hurdles: data integration and operational scalability.
To succeed, XR must be designed with a deep understanding of the user’s environment, tasks, and data lifecycle. Systems integration is vital—but so is domain expertise. A modular co-development approach, informed by cross-sector insights and XR communities, can help tailor solutions to nuclear’s unique needs.
XR Should Grow, Not Just Land
Too often, XR is treated as a one-off innovation exercise—trialling expensive headsets in unsuitable environments. While these pilots demonstrate potential, they rarely lead to lasting change. What’s needed is a shift in mindset: start small, co-design with users, and scale based on real operational value.
Infrastructure projects follow clear phases—survey, engineering, construction, commissioning, handover, and operation. XR, when properly architected, can integrate across these stages, aligning with existing workflows and deliverables. This not only improves execution but also supports long-term asset management and builds a growing digital knowledge base.
This foundation is especially important as the industry faces a shortage of skilled workers. XR can accelerate onboarding and upskilling, helping early-career professionals gain confidence and competence faster—a benefit already seen in other sectors.
Start with Low-Complexity, High-Value Problems
The fastest wins in XR adoption come from solving simple, high-impact problems—those everyday disruptions that slow down work. While many digitalisation efforts focus on moving from paper to digital, XR goes further by enabling hands-free access to legacy digital assets. Combined with Remote Expert support, it empowers teams to collaborate and troubleshoot instantly.
At this stage, ROI isn’t just financial—it’s foundational. It builds trust in digital workflows, converts existing deliverables into XR-ready formats, and introduces smart glasses into daily routines. This gentle onboarding sets the stage for more advanced use cases.
Co-Develop Mid-Level Use Cases
Once the basics are in place, the next step is co-developing mid-level use cases that align with real workflows. Many vendors offer discovery partnerships, recognising that embedded use case knowledge is key. However, bespoke solutions often require non-recurring engineering—especially when outside the vendor’s core stack.
Low-code platforms are particularly valuable here. They allow site teams to design intuitive interfaces, integrate data workflows, and tailor device interactions to real-world constraints—like working at height, in confined spaces, or noisy environments. Addressing these factors during co-development ensures solutions are practical and scalable.
In nuclear, this approach also supports regulatory scrutiny. Keeping pilots low-risk and evidence-driven, with clear documentation and peer review, helps build confidence and momentum.
Build Toward AI-Driven Digital Assistants
With foundational and mid-level use cases established, organisations can begin integrating advanced capabilities—like computer vision and AI-powered assistants. These technologies are gaining traction across industrial XR applications and can build on earlier deployments to deliver intelligent, modular enhancements.
As engineering data—from CAD and BIM models to reality capture scans and live sensor feeds—continues to evolve, XR becomes a gateway to smarter decision-making. It enables immersive planning, spatially aware troubleshooting, and real-time asset condition monitoring. These capabilities converge within intelligent digital twins, which store and contextualise operational knowledge.
Hard ROI becomes measurable: reduced downtime, faster training, improved quality, and auditable records. Soft ROI also grows—lower cognitive load, better user experience, and enhanced performance in complex environments.
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 future of XR in nuclear operations lies in its ability to scale—intelligently, incrementally, and in alignment with real-world needs.”
Marvin Johnson, Head of XR
A scalable path forward
The future of XR in nuclear operations lies in its ability to scale—intelligently, incrementally, and in alignment with real-world needs. By starting small, co-developing with users, and building toward integrated AI-driven systems, the industry can unlock XR’s full potential.
AtkinsRéalis continues to be recognised as a trusted advisor for nuclear XR services. Through continuous learning and collaboration, we’re helping shape a digitally enabled workforce—ready to meet today’s challenges and build a safer, smarter future.
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