Paks NPP Shortens Time-to-Competency with Manifest® AI-Powered Work Instructions
Hungary’s only operating nuclear plant modernizes training with step-by-step digital work instructions, 3D digital twins, and hands-free guidance on XR headset
Customer Background
Paks Nuclear Power Plant (Paksi Atomerőmű) is Hungary’s first and only operating nuclear station and supplies roughly half of the country’s electricity with four VVER-440 units.
Challenges
- Time-to-independence: “At this moment, we need at least two years for a repairer to carry out work independently.” — Zsolt Mátrai, Training Center Director
- Demographic shift: “Most of the existing employees… are Generation X… many will retire… they will be replaced by millenials and gen Zs.” — Zsolt Mátrai
- Learning expectations: “These generations want the papers used for trainings to be replaced by digital technology… modern tools which stimulate their interest.” — Zsolt Mátrai
Solution
Paks implemented Manifest®, an AI-powered, AR enabled digital work assistant platform that lets experts capture, publish, and guide using step-by-step procedures enriched with 3D models/digital twins and multimedia, and viewable hands-free on an XR headset, tablet or other devices. Trainers can standardize complex tasks, while trainees get exactly the right instruction in their field of view wirthout binders, guesswork, or need for assistance from others.
Key capabilities used
- Spatial Guidance: spatially anchored steps and 3D/digital-twin visuals to show what to do where
- Reference Content: Multimedia in steps (videos, photos, PDFs) for clarity
- Remote Assistance: Optional Manifest Connect for real-time “see-what-I-see” support during practicals (as needed)
- Cross-device flexibility: In addition to XR headsets, trainers and employees at Paks NPP also access Manifest® on an iPad, authoring, editing, and reviewing work instructions on a familiar, portable device that makes training more accessible and easier to scale across the workforce.
Implementation Highlights
- Training center pilot: Instructors authored reactor-maintenance practicals in Manifest and deployed them on HoloLens 2 for hands-free guidance.
- Digital-twin integration: Trainees referenced a 3D model/digital twin during steps
- Rapid authoring: Trainers noted how quickly they could assemble instructions with videos, images, and directional prompts.
Results & Instructor Perspectives
“We definitely see this technology as the future and the tool to increase the efficiency of training the generations of the future.”
— Zsolt Mátrai, Training Center Director
“Whoever is using [Manifest] and works on maintenance or gives training is constantly given information as to how to carry out the task… they can carry out the task independently.”
— János Ohmacht, Nuclear Theory & Equipment Instructor
“This is something very new… but it is really easy to use and manage, which made it easy to master… the software is so simple and easy to review.”
— László Kern, High-Voltage Electrical Trainer
“Its simplicity is very good… we can attach videos, texts, images, instructions, arrows… Someone who had never prepared or repaired that feedthrough before was able to assemble one based on the complete program, alone, using HoloLens.”
— Béla Sitkei, Reactor Maintenance Trainer
Why Manifest for Equipment and Operational Training
- Shorten time-to-competency: Consistent, step-by-step guidance reduces trainer intervention and speeds practicals.
- Preserve expert knowledge: Capture procedures once; update centrally; keep instructions current across cohorts.
- Hands-free, heads-up: Keep attention on the equipment, not a manual.
- Scale safely: Optional remote support lets experts assist multiple trainees efficiently.
Looking Ahead
“We trust that we can establish this AR-based training across the organization, and then we can significantly shorten this time period [to independence].” — Zsolt Mátrai
Learn how Manifest® can elevate your frontline training and operational performance.
