XR pioneering work: Hellma Materials brings augmented reality to nuclear measurement technology
News & Event29. May 2026
Jena, May 2026 – Innovation in the field of scintillation materials: as part of a pioneering research and development project, Hellma Materials has developed an augmented reality (AR) solution for its in-house gamma camera together with IT service provider Transition Technologies PSC (TT PSC). The project impressively demonstrates how complex measurement data can be turned into tangible visual added value on site.
The challenge of nuclear decommissioning
The dismantling and decontamination of decommissioned nuclear power plants is a real marathon: up to 800,000 square metres of surface area often have to be precisely measured per power plant. Previously, this meant an enormous amount of time and labour, as the radiation measurements had to be carried out manually for the most part.
As a leading manufacturer of synthetic crystals, Hellma Materials has taken the value chain a step further and developed a high-precision gamma camera for imaging radiation measurement. However, in order to make this invisible radioactive radiation intuitively understandable for the teams on site directly in reality, the right link was missing.
The solution: literally making radioactivity visible
Together with the AR experts from TT PSC, a successful proof of concept was realised that translates complex physical measurement data into augmented reality (AR):
- 3D projection in space: The radiation values recorded by the gamma camera are transferred fully automatically to a digital 3D model of the surroundings. The software calculates the exact intersection points and localises the precise emission source.
- Real-time view via tablet: employees in the control area can simply view the room through an iPad. The software superimposes the radiation sources as coloured overlays directly onto the live image. The colouring immediately indicates the intensity of the radiation.
- Intuitive reporting: Detailed information such as radionuclides or the exact activity can be called up at the touch of a finger and transferred directly to digital measurement reports.
A real quantum leap for the practice
The combination of Hellma crystal technology and modern AR software drastically speeds up the entire measurement and documentation process in nuclear facilities. For Hellma Materials, this project represents another major step forward in consolidating our position as an innovative pioneer in nuclear measurement technology.