# PACMAN AI control framework tested on DIII-D fusion system

_Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM EDT · Science, AI · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![PACMAN AI control framework tested on DIII-D fusion system — Primary](https://scx2.b-cdn.net/gfx/news/hires/2026/pacman-ai-framework-fo.jpg)

Researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and Princeton University tested PACMAN, an AI control framework, in five experiments on the DIII-D tokamak. The framework combines real-time measurements, machine-learning predictions and controllers while enforcing hardware safety limits. In one experiment, a model predicted a tearing-mode instability about 200 milliseconds before it occurred; the system also controlled heating and plasma targets. Researchers say it typically runs in about 20 milliseconds, while physicists retain control over experiment parameters.

## Sources

- [Phys.org](https://phys.org/news/2026-09-pacman-ai-framework-fusion-safely.html)

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Retrieved: 2026-09-03T02:36:44.431Z
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