CERN is an innovative robotics solution CERNQuadBotdesign Navigate a messy and dangerous environment, especially within the complex facilities of laboratories; The four-legged robot recently underwent successful radiation protection tests in CERN’s vast northern region, demonstrating its adaptability and agility even in challenging terrain.
Developed within Building 937, the CERNquadbot stands out among CERN’s advanced robots due to its innovative four-legged design, providing unparalleled stability and maneuverability even on uneven surfaces.
Chris McGreavy, robotics engineer at CERNWe highlight the importance of these advances, highlighting the limitations wheeled robots face in environments with loose wires and moving pipes.
Robodog, together with CERNBotNA (North Area), performed radiation protection surveys within CERN’s largest experimental area, marking a successful collaboration between the two robots. (Image: M. Struik/CERN)
CERNquadbot’s versatility extends beyond reliability. Equipped with advanced control algorithms, this robotic companion can navigate complex environments, including caves containing experiments such as the ALICE detector. The ability to monitor environmental conditions and detect anomalies such as water or fire leaks is critical to maintaining machinery operation in tunnels and caves.
CERN’s approach involves creating a complementary robotics ecosystem where each robot serves a specific purpose. The Train Inspection Monorail (TIM) is excellent for monitoring long distances from above within the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), while the CERNquadbot explores uncharted areas on the ground below the beamline. This symbiotic relationship enhances the overall exploration capabilities of the CERN robotic fleet.
As researchers continue to push the boundaries of robotics, the future holds promising prospects for further advancements in exploration and discovery within CERN’s unique infrastructure. CERNquadbot promises to expand the horizons of particle physics exploration by revolutionizing the way robots navigate and interact within CERN’s complex environment.
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