Y-12 to implement extended reality technology originally developed for training in healthcare and the arts
In a novel move towards integrating cutting-edge digital tools into nuclear security, the Y-12 National Security Complex will soon deploy extended reality (XR) technology—previously utilised for training dancers and healthcare professionals—for enhancing visualisation and training in nuclear manufacturing processes. The initiative marks a significant step in the intersection of government-operated facilities and immersive technological advancements.
On Thursday, Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS) LLC, the entity responsible for managing and operating Y-12, formalised a partnership with CrewXR by signing a memorandum of understanding. This agreement facilitates the use of CrewXR’s extended reality platform to enable real-time visualisation of manufacturing data within the Oak Ridge Enhanced Technology and Training Center (ORETTC).
CNS stated that the partnership is expected to foster collaboration between government and industry, aiming to accelerate the development of XR technologies and promote their integration into secure environments such as Y-12. The move is part of a broader objective to enhance operational effectiveness through advanced digital solutions.
The origins of the agreement can be traced back to a project funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) in collaboration with Case Western Reserve University. This project focused on data-driven manufacturing, laying the groundwork for the introduction of immersive technology into secure industrial contexts.
One of the standout features of the CrewXR platform is its zero-client system. Devices used in this system do not store data locally, which significantly improves data security—an essential requirement in high-security environments like Y-12.
According to CNS, the implementation of CrewXR at the ORETTC will provide secure, real-time tools for visualising complex manufacturing processes. The immersive environment created by XR technology is expected to enhance both training and operational decision-making. Ashley Stowe, senior director of the training centre, noted that ORETTC would serve as a testbed for integrating this advanced technology, facilitating its adoption in a controlled and secure setting.
The CrewXR platform is currently in use at Case Western Reserve University, where it serves as a training medium across various disciplines, including healthcare, the arts, and dance. CNS indicated that this same platform will now be adapted for use in training the current and next generation of nuclear security professionals.
Extended reality, often abbreviated as XR, encompasses a spectrum of immersive technologies. These include augmented reality (AR), where digital elements are layered onto real-world environments; mixed reality (MR), where digital and physical components interact in real-time; and virtual reality (VR), a completely immersive digital experience. As explained by Coursera, these technologies are increasingly being adopted across sectors for their ability to simulate real-world scenarios and enhance learning outcomes.
The CEO and co-founder of CrewXR, Niko Chauls, described the platform as one designed to support collaborative, group-based experiences, adaptable to a wide range of users. The system’s utility spans various applications. For instance, it can facilitate real-time consultations between medical professionals across continents or enable production teams and system designers to collaboratively diagnose and resolve operational issues.
CNS confirmed that CrewXR’s platform supports a diverse array of devices, including XR headsets, smartphones, and tablets. This compatibility ensures flexible deployment across multiple training and operational settings, regardless of hardware limitations.
By introducing XR into the secure domain of nuclear manufacturing, Y-12 is not only embracing technological innovation but also setting a precedent for cross-industry collaboration. The use of a platform originally designed for performing arts and medical training illustrates the versatility of extended reality and its potential to transform even the most complex and secure environments.
