UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has announced a world-first technology in robotics – Smart Amigo. This cutting-edge technology was developed specifically for impacting inspections within the LHC. The PipeINEER robot is 20 centimeters (8 inches) long and 3.7 centimeters (1.5 inches) wide. It does this as it steers around the collider’s spooky complex web of skinny tubes entirely independently. This innovative piece of equipment is designed to keep one of the world’s most complex and powerful scientific instruments running at peak efficiency and safety.
The PipeINEER robot at work in its challenging environment deep (100 meters/ 328 feet) below the French-Swiss border, near Geneva. It navigates through a circular tunnel, maneuvering alongside over 1,200 “dipole” magnets that are crucial for steering particles around the collider. Its small form factor enables it to inspect hard-to-reach and cold environments that are challenging for human inspectors.
The PipeINEER robot employs cutting-edge artificial intelligence to take high-resolution images along the beamline. Simultaneously, it detects any vibrations or irregularities in the collider’s infrastructure. This innovative capability simplifies the inspection process. It further enhances the overall maintenance culture for the groundbreaking 27 kilometers (17 miles) of the LHC.
Nick Sykes, director of the UKAEA’s robotics centre, expressed his pride in the organization’s contribution to CERN’s endeavors. He stated,
“By combining our remote handling experience with CERN’s scientific excellence, we’re helping ensure the Large Hadron Collider operates safely and efficiently for years to come.”
The design and development of the PipeINEER robot demonstrates UKAEA’s knowhow in designing and building autonomous robots specially adapted to challenging environments. Dr Giuseppe Bregliozzi, who has been a key part of the design process for this pioneering device, explained that this groundbreaking tool will
“transform how we inspect and maintain the LHC.”
The addition of the PipeINEER robot represents a major step forward in how inspections are performed inside the LHC. Advanced technology and automation help convert any quality, maintenance, or safety inspection process, thus overcoming limits that plague human inspectors. This methodology ensures more rapid and precise identification of emerging problems.