The researchers even beat this technology out on cost, developing a small robot capable of navigating the LHC for a little less than $800. Measuring 20 centimeters (8 inches) long and 3.7 centimeters (1.5 inches) wide, this advanced robot travels autonomously through the collider’s narrow pipes, capturing detailed images along the beamline.
The LHC came online in 2008. It takes two particle beams, accelerates them to nearly the speed of light and then crashes them together. With the help of their new automated robot, it inspects extremely narrow, tight and cold areas. It keeps in line the integrity of more than 1,200 dipole magnets placed end-to-end along the length of the 27-kilometer (17 miles) collider.
Based on artificial intelligence, the robot is able to identify deformities, contributing to a more efficient and safer inspection process. This cutting-edge technology is an essential component in pioneering new research. It’s enabled physicists to make groundbreaking discoveries of new physics phenomena, like the Higgs boson, which was discovered at the site in 2012.
As Dr. Giuseppe Bregliozzi from CERN explained, the socio-economic impact of this technology is very powerful. It will change the way we scan and care for the LHC, he said. This development reflects a collaboration between CERN and the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s (UKAEA) robotics centre, which is proud to apply its expertise to support CERN’s world-leading experiments.
Nick Sykes, director of the UKAEA’s robotics centre said they were delighted to be part of this collaboration. We’re bringing together our remote handling experience with CERN’s scientific excellence. This partnership will help ensure that the Large Hadron Collider continues to operate safely and efficiently for years to come.
The robot’s deployment takes place within a 100 meter (328 foot) deep circular tunnel that lies directly beneath the French-Swiss border near Geneva. This six-legged robot expedites inspection processes, freeing up equipment and staff to focus on other maintenance priorities. It signals a strong commitment to continuing improvements in high-energy physics research at the nation’s most complex and important scientific facility.