Colour, design and virtual reality at JET

Joint European torus (JET) is the world's largest nuclear fusion research facility investigating the use of nuclear fusion, the process that powers the stars, as a Source of clean, limitless electrical energy. The JET machine undergoes an oil-going program of upgrades and modifications facilitating a broad scientific program of experimentation. Maintenance of the JET machine is carried out remotely using telemanipulators mounted on a robotic Boom, employing a 'man in the loop' approach. The system relies on the use of real time 3D computer graphic models in a 'virtual reality' environment for preparation and support of remote-handling operations. Colour is used in this virtual environment to ernphasise robots from the vessel environment and to highlight materials, components and systems requiring special care. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.