A mouse-sized robot named PipeINEER has been developed by UK scientists and CERN to inspect the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) on the Swiss-French border.

Measuring just 3.7 cm wide and 20 cm long, the robot autonomously navigates the collider’s narrow, ultra-cold tunnels, capturing detailed images of the beamlines.

Using AI, PipeINEER detects deformities in the 1,200 dipole magnets and other structures, making inspections safer and more efficient in areas too tight and hazardous for humans.

The robot is expected to significantly improve maintenance and operation of the LHC, which pushes particle beams to near-light speeds to explore fundamental physics, the BBC has reported.

The innovation was recently recognized with a Highly Commended award in The Engineer’s Collaborate to Innovate category, highlighting its international collaboration.