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Last week the Fusion Research Community at Manchester welcomed an exciting new addition to the lab: a Minimak . The workbench-sized donut-shaped vacuum chamber contains a low-temperature plasma controlled by magnets. It was designed and built by Rideo Systems Ltd to support teaching and research into Fusion Energy at The Fusion Engineering Centre for Doctoral Training and the MancheSTAR Fusion Society. Early work will focus on digital twins, AI-driven plasma control and diagn

The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority ( UKAEA ) has ordered an SPM1 Minimak for delivery in 2026. There is already a prototype demonstration device running at the Culham, Oxfordshire site and it is anticipated that several more will be built over the coming year. The device will be used for Fusion science outreach and engagement as well as providing hands on demonstration and training for students.

SPM1 Remote control demonstration The SPM1 Minimak has been remotely operated at an IMechE seminar at the University of Manchester. The seminar given by Prof Lee Margetts was titled " Fuelling Stars in a Bottle: Digital Twins, AI, and the LIBRTI Tritium Fuel Cycle". The device was located at Milton park near Oxford and was remotely operated by EngD student Michael Crabbe in Manchester. The Minimak is due to be installed in January at the University. The demonstration of ea

The University of Manchester has ordered an SPM1 Minimak for delivery in September 2025 as part of the new Fusion Engineering CDT. The...

Nuclear fusion energy is often hailed as the holy grail of sustainable power generation due to its immense potential to provide clean and...