The PipeINEER robot, recently introduced by CERN. This cutting-edge technology will vastly enhance remote inspections at the Large Hadron Collider, which runs 100 meters underground near the French-Swiss border, just outside of Geneva. This innovative, compact robot is 20 centimeters (8 in) long and 3.7 centimeters (1.5 in) wide. Its small size lets it go where it needs to be without human intervention, including through tight crevices of piping that are ultimately critical to the collider’s operation.
The PipeINEER robot, operated remotely from the SENSEable City Lab, is key to safely taking thousands of high-resolution images over the LHC’s 27-kilometer-long (17 miles) beamline. Fuelled by artificial intelligence capabilities, it proactively finds deformities—making sure that the collider runs at maximum efficiency. The LHC already accelerates two particle beams to almost the speed of light and collides them head-on. In order to set up successful experiments, we need to protect the integrity of its vast, complicated infrastructure.
This first-of-it’s-kind, agile robotic solution meets the demands of the collider’s extreme environment. Its main feat lies in traversing super tight and cold places. The LHC is made up of more than 1,200 dipole magnets, each one introducing a new layer of complexity to the inspection process. With the PipeINEER robot’s ability to navigate these tight spaces, like 26-inch pipes, it will drastically improve maintenance procedures.
Nick Sykes, director of the UKAEA’s robotics centre, expressed delight at the collaboration with CERN. He drove home the point of how important it is to integrate the art of remote handling with scientific excellence. 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.”
Dr. Giuseppe Bregliozzi of CERN highlighted how the PipeINEER robot will revolutionize how operations are performed at the LHC. He noted that this technology will,
“transform how we inspect and maintain the LHC.”