-- Japanese nuclear equipment makers are accelerating worker training with virtual reality and digital tools as Japan considers building new reactors for the first time since the 2011 Fukushima disaster, Nikkei reported Thursday.
IHI (TYO:7013) launched a new welding program in January that combines classroom instruction, hands-on training and video materials captured through camera-equipped welding masks. The company said the system could cut training periods for some technicians to about one-fifth of previous levels, according to the report.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (TYO:7011) has developed about 50 VR-based courses covering nuclear plant design, construction and maintenance, while Hitachi is digitizing technical expertise to improve knowledge transfer across its nuclear operations, the report said.
The push comes as Japan's nuclear sector faces a shrinking skilled labor pool despite rising demand linked to AI-driven electricity consumption and renewed government support for nuclear power, according to the report.
Shares of IHI jumped nearly 6%, while those of Mitsubishi Heavy fell almost 2% in recent trade in Japan.
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