Research and Application of Projection-Based Augmented Reality (PAR) System in Fusion Tokamak Assembly

Abstract Projection-based Augmented Reality (PAR) systems have been applied in various industries. Detailed drawings and markings can be easily projected with laser onto the workpiece surface, providing clear instructions to the assembly operators, which brings benefits in efficiency and quality improvement. In nuclear fusion Tokamak assembly work, millions of attachments for diagnostics, cables, and monitoring systems need to be installed on the surface of the Vacuum Vessel (VV) requiring top-level assembly accuracy. Thus, difficulties have been forecasted in marking and component alignment in traditional assembly methods. This paper focuses on a case study of using the PAR system in VV assembly work which demonstrates the improvement in installation efficiency and quality. It showed that the total alignment tolerance can be controlled within 0.2mm, satisfying the assembly tolerance requirement of 2 mm. Installation performance, such as non-conformities and working man-hours, has been statistically improved compared with the traditional installation method. Over 80% of templating man-hours are eliminated for the contractor, with millions of costs saved. It is concluded that with the help of the PAR system, the fusion Tokamak machine assembly can be more efficiently conducted.