Developing VR Headsets and Software

With the ongoing development of innovative and safer practices for decommissioning nuclear sites companies in this sector are striving to enhance the protection of workers performing this hazardous task. A recent successful R&D claim involved a company attempting to minimise contamination risks during nuclear site decommissioning.

To address this challenge, they aimed to recreate the real-time environment using VR headsets and specialised software. To improve worker safety during hazardous nuclear decommissioning, a company undertook R&D to develop VR headsets and simulation software replicating real-time site conditions.

The core uncertainty involved simulating unpredictable decommissioning scenarios with high fidelity. The team engaged in systematic experimentation, including coding, scripting, and real-world testing, to refine the technology. Though challenges remain, the company made notable advances and continues the work.

Such activities meet HMRC’s criteria for R&D by tackling scientific and technological uncertainty with a structured approach to innovation. Although they did not achieve complete resolution within the initial timeline, they have benefited from the R&D tax relief scheme, which supports ongoing innovative efforts in science and technology.