The innovative quadruped robot for inspection of radioactive areas
At the heart of one of the most advanced laboratories in the world, CERN, a new tool has been developed that promises to change the way the most dangerous and difficult-to-reach areas are explored and monitored: the CERNquadbot. This quadruped robot, designed to navigate uneven terrain and obstacle-filled environments, represents a significant step forward in the use of robotic technology to ensure safety and efficiency in areas with nuclear radiation.
CERNquadbot is a creation that is distinguished not only by its four-legged design, but also by its adaptability and precision in complex environments. Located in Building 937, where the most avant-garde robotic projects at CERN are developed, this robot has successfully passed its first radiological protection test in the extensive Northern Area of the laboratory.
The choice of a quadruped design is due to the need to overcome obstacles that are insurmountable for robots with wheels or chains. According to Chris McGreavy, a robotics engineer in the Controls, Electronics and Mechatronics (CEM) group at CERN, the laboratory is riddled with loose cables and pipes on the floor that make it difficult even for humans to pass through. The capacity of CERNquadbot to maneuver over these challenges makes it an invaluable tool.
He CERNquadbot It stands out for its mobility and its functionality in critical scenarios. Equipped with advanced control algorithms, it is prepared to monitor environmental conditions and detect anomalies such as water leaks or fires. This rapid response capability is crucial to minimize the impact on the operation of essential machinery located in the laboratory’s caverns and tunnels.
This robot is part of a complementary robotic ecosystem at CERN, designed to maximize exploration efficiency. While the Train Inspection Monorail (TIM) monitors the long distances of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) from above, the CERNquadbot explores inaccessible territories on the ground, providing detailed information on areas that the TIM cannot reach.
The introduction of CERNquadbot at CERN opens new doors for the exploration of previously inaccessible areas, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods of locomotion. This innovation expands our research horizon within the CERN facilities, and underlines the commitment of the Beams department to the development of novel robotic solutions.