To realize practical fusion energy systems, various virtual laboratories (V-Labs)—digital-space virtual experimental environments—are required for next‑ generation devices and neutron‑ irradiated materials.
In this project, to demonstrate that fusion energy system design and performance testing can be carried out in the digital domain using V-Labs, we have established three research and development components, each dedicated to constructing an appropriate V-Lab: V-Lab A, B, and C. These V-Labs will serve as pioneering proof‑of‑concept examples showing that digital‑space design and performance evaluation are feasible, and through industry–academia collaboration, the framework will be expanded to enable the development of even more diverse V-Labs.

R&D Theme 2: V-Lab A

for magnetic-confinement fusion energy systems

R&D Theme 3: V-Lab B

for fusion energy systems other than magnetic‑confinement (e.g., laser fusion)

R&D Theme 4: V-Lab C

V-Lab for material experiments such as neutron irradiation

To demonstrate that fusion energy system design and performance testing are feasible in a digital space, we formulated the standards (achievement criteria) required for V-Labs, selected principal investigators (PIs) responsible for constructing each V-Lab, and established the R&D structure. Specifically, we first organized workshops on magnetic‑confinement fusion systems, non‑magnetic‑confinement fusion systems, and material experiments such as neutron irradiation—topics corresponding to V-Labs A, B, and C. Open discussions were held regarding the R&D challenges that each V-Lab should address, and based on these discussions, we defined the outlines of the R&D tasks.
Following this, based on the defined task outlines, we selected PIs responsible for constructing the V-Labs for magnetic‑confinement fusion systems—specifically, tokamak‑type (Fig. 2, left) and helical‑type (Fig. 2, right)—as well as PIs responsible for V-Labs for material experiments such as neutron irradiation, thereby establishing the R&D structure. Furthermore, through detailed discussions with these PIs, we formulated the standards required for V-Labs. By constructing V-Labs capable of supporting the design and performance testing of different types of fusion energy systems, such as tokamak and helical devices, this project aims to explore the potential of diverse fusion energy systems.

Looking ahead, we will continue developing V-Labs for various fusion energy systems and material experiments such as neutron irradiation (Figs. 1 and 2), enabling the design and performance evaluation of next‑generation devices and neutron‑irradiated materials.
Each V-Lab will be realized by combining “dedicated modules” developed by PIs of R&D Themes 2–4—based on simulation programs, experimental data, and computational data used in the fusion energy field—with “common modules” developed by the PI of R&D Themes 1, leveraging expertise in AI, data‑driven science, and mathematical sciences (Fig. 3). As the project progresses, additional R&D topics and PIs will be incorporated as needed.