Scientists at CERN have unveiled a groundbreaking robotic device designed to improve the inspection and maintenance process of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has christened this agile little robot “PipeINEER.” It’s the size of a man’s wallet—20 centimeters (8 inches) long and 3.7 centimeters (1.5 inches) wide. Those inspections will be simplified over the 27-km-long collider. This enormous collider is located in a circular underground tunnel, 100 meters below ground level, on the French-Swiss border near Geneva, Switzerland.
The PipeINEER robot takes high-precision 3D photos along the collider’s beamline. Its autonomous traveling capability allows it to traverse through narrow pipes. Due to the very high torque and low temperatures of these pipes, traditional methods of inspection introduce insurmountable obstacles. This technical improvement will greatly improve the efficiency and safety of testing some of the LHC’s most important components.
Dr. Giuseppe Bregliozzi from CERN expressed optimism about the robot’s impact, stating that it would “transform how we inspect and maintain the LHC.” The Large Hadron Collider first opened its doors in 2008. Since then it’s made important contributions to particle physics, finding the Higgs boson in 2012. The collider accelerates two particle beams to near the speed of light to collide them, providing insights into fundamental questions about the universe.
PipeINEER greatly contributes to CERN’s mission of supporting the most advanced experiments on the planet by increasing operational reliability. Nick Sykes noted the collaboration between UKAEA and CERN, saying, “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 robotic device is key to keeping over 1,200 dipole magnets healthy. These magnets are positioned to pull and push the particles in a circular path, so they are arranged end-to-end in alternating North-South configurations. PipeINEER is the first of its kind and a huge advancement for scientific research. This exciting new technology makes sure this new, highly complex scientific instrument is ultimately performance-driven and long-lasting.