Colloquium

Intelligent robotic systems are increasingly essential in space applications, industry, nuclear plants, and other harsh environments such as the particle accelerator complex and experiments at CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research). Robotics offers significant benefits for people, with its ultimate impact depending on how the technology is applied.  At CERN, robots have been used successfully for many years to increase both machine maintainability and personnel safety. To improve machines availability and reduce risks, robots perform repetitive, unplanned, and hazardous tasks that humans prefer to avoid or are unable to carry out due to risks, size constraints, or extreme environmental conditions. Today, mechatronic systems use mature technologies that ensure robust and safe operation, even in collaboration with human workers. This presentation will describe the current status of robotic activities performed at CERN by the BE-CEM group. Several robotic solutions and custom-made devices have been deployed in recent years, with new concepts under development to further improve safety and availability. Ongoing and future R&D in robotics at CERN will be outlined, along with results from the commissioning of novel robotic control systems.