AI Robots to Inspect Large Hadron Collider

The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and CERN have developed an autonomous robot named PipeINEER ^[1]. This mouse-sized device uses artificial intelligence to inspect narrow beamline pipes within the Large Hadron Collider ^[2]. These pipes are often too small for traditional inspection tools ^[3]. The primary goal of PipeINEER is to identify abnormalities caused by thermal cycling ^[1][2]. By detecting early signs of wear or damage, the robot helps ensure the continued operation of the world's largest particle collider ^[3]. This partnership highlights the growing role of AI in maintaining high-stakes scientific infrastructure ^[1].