A major new tool for particle physics inspection has come about with the creation of a new robot called “PipeINEER.” This first-in-the-world device is 20cm (8 inches) long and 3.7cm (1.5 inches) wide. Most importantly, it can autonomously navigate the tight spaces within the pipes of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Inside the LHC’s 27-kilometer (17-mile) circular tunnel, located 100 meters (328 feet) underground under the French-Swiss border near Geneva. It is one of the world’s most important facilities for accelerating particle beams to close to the speed of light and colliding them, producing transformative scientific discoveries.
PipeINEER takes Pipe-INEER on an exciting journey along the collider’s extraordinary 27-kilometer (17-mile) length. It takes high-resolution images throughout the beamline, using artificial intelligence to detect any imperfections. This cutting-edge technology significantly advances inspection capabilities in cold and confined spaces. So, in turn, it really speeds up the entire maintenance process.
Dr. Giuseppe Bregliozzi from CERN emphasized the importance of this new robot, stating, “It will transform how we inspect and maintain the LHC.” The arrival of PipeINEER constitutes a major change on how operations are conducted at CERN. This smart new system will control more than 1,200 dipole magnets, painstakingly positioned end-to-end to steer particles around the collider’s circular route.
PipeINEER’s creation was enabled by the joint specialist knowledge of the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s (UKAEA) robotics hub. Nick Sykes, director of the UKAEA’s robotics centre, expressed pride in the partnership, 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 LHC, in use since 2008, has proverbial cracks that are beginning to show. As research at this world-leading facility continues to grow and develop, innovative technological solutions such as PipeINEER will be a key component. The robot, which operates fully autonomously, is dramatically accelerating inspection processes. This revolutionary innovation increases both safety and efficiency for one of the largest and most important scientific instruments on our planet.
