Robotic Interventions in CERN Accelerators Harsh Environments

Abstract

Intelligent Robotic systems are becoming essential for industry and harsh environments, like the ones existing at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). Aiming to increase safety and machine availability, robots can perform repetitive and dangerous tasks, which humans either prefer to avoid or are unable to do because of hazards, size constraints, or extreme environments in which they take place, such as outer space or radioactive experimental areas. CERN presents very specific needs and constraints in all the accelerators areas that are composed of more than 50 km of harsh environments. Several robotic inspections and tele-operations are performed at CERN every year using several industrial and custom-made robots. Operators are trained using virtual and real mock-ups before the intervention. Recovery scenarios, procedures and tools preparation are fundamental for the success of each robotic mission. The CERN robotic interventions pipeline and procedures are presented, including various specific interventions performed during the last years tele-operating different robots in various challenging environments.