The conversation deepens

2026-05-19 - A specific set of robotic tools is being developed in Japan to support the initial assembly of ITER blanket components. Designed to operate within tight space constraints, these tools can grip, fasten, tighten, weld, and cut with exceptional precision.

2026-05-04 - A view from the Radiofrequency Building, where—behind this jumble of cables—commissioning activities are underway on the first gyrotrons.

2026-04-30 - The massive lid has been positioned over the cryostat; only final adjustments and detachment from the crane remain.

2026-04-30 - At least three toroidal field coils will be tested in the ITER magnet cold test facility, beginning with toroidal field coil TF07.

2026-04-30 - This insulated 11 x 22 metre lid is on its way to close the cryostat of the ITER magnet cold test facility. The first tests on the facility are scheduled to start in May.

2026-04-30 - Toroidal field coil TF07 can be seen here in the cryostat of the ITER magnet cold test facility. It has been connected to its power source and the teams are preparing to close the lid

2026-04-28 - From 28 to 29 April 2026, the ITER Organization welcomes several hundred members of the global fusion ecosystem—startups, companies, and investors—for "Fusion: A Joint Quest," the third public-private fusion workshop in three years.

2026-04-27 - US ITER has completed final deliveries for the central solenoid, the world’s most powerful pulsed superconducting magnet. Assembly is underway at the ITER site.

2026-04-27 - Vacuum vessel sector #3 has been loaded on a specialized barge on the south side of the Étang de Berre. The crossing will take just a few hours.

2026-04-27 - At the ITER site in southern France, early workshop participants spend an afternoon meeting with machine assembly and plant system experts on the worksite. Panel discussions start on Tuesday 28 April.

2026-04-23 - European vacuum vessel sector #3 is unloaded in the French port of Marseille-Fos on Thursday 23 April. It will be transferred to a specialized barge in order to cross the inland sea of Berre.

2026-04-23 - Two side correction coils from China have arrived at the ITER site. Two others are expected next month.

2026-04-21 - After 16 months of work, low voltage commissioning for 18 power converters procured by Korea ends on Tuesday 21 April. Forty-four AC/DC power converter units—comprising a transformer, a converter and a busbar section—are needed for first-phase operations to power ITER's superconducting magnets.

2026-04-20 - Tanaka Takeyuki (right) is working with engineer Nishidate Yuto on behalf of ITER Japan to develop grippers and tools for assembling the ITER blanket inside the vacuum vessel. Specifically, they are developing end effectors—peripheral devices attached to a robotic arm—and tools for gripping, fastening and pipe welding and cutting.