Successful development of a small robot capable of observing the inside of the accelerator tunnel during operation

To enable safe and efficient operation of the synchrotron radiation facility, we have developed a small, remotely operated robot (Fig. 1) capable of observing the inside of the accelerator tunnel during operation. This robot was jointly developed by Assistant Professor Akira Takasu and his team from the Mechanical Engineering Center, Chief Researcher Takashi Obina and his team from the Accelerator Laboratory, with the aim of being used at the Photon Factory (PF).

During the operation of the synchrotron radiation facility, radiation is emitted inside the tunnel, preventing human access. However, measuring the temperature and radiation levels inside the accelerator tunnel in real-time during operation, we can obtain valuable information that helps prevent potential issues and help future development of the tunnel.

This hand size robot is equipped with a web camera, thermal camera, and a radiation intensity sensor. It can be remotely controlled from a safe room, allowing real-time observation of the conditions inside the tunnel. With multiple successful operations inside the tunnel during facility operation, the robot's stability has been confirmed. This achievement was presented at the Particle Accelerator Society of Japan (PASJ) in August, and it is scheduled to be presented at the Japanese Society for Synchrotron Radiation Research (JSSRR) in January 2025.
Looking ahead, we are planning to develop larger and more advanced robots with enhanced capabilities for future development.