\u00a9 shutterstock\/dee karen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nTraditional automation requires knowledge of the system and the ability to express it symbolically. ML and AI eliminate this restriction, as these technologies can analyse large amounts of data and identify patterns in various data structures without additional input of parametric relations of the data.<\/p>\n
For example, describing symbolically what is visible in an image can be quite challenging. AI is capable of accomplishing this task, computer vision, without having to define rules. This capability provides a significant advantage for learning patterns or mappings that were previously difficult to represent accurately in written or spoken form.<\/p>\n
What other innovative approaches are being explored in the EPA project to enhance particle accelerator efficiency? Could you elaborate on the nine work packages?<\/h3>\n AI is employed for tasks that lack traditional solutions. To support this, we are establishing infrastructure requirements and a blueprint for smart equipment relevant to science labs in general to facilitate our AI efforts. The aim is to develop AI-ready accelerators by providing hierarchical building blocks within a cohesive system. For example, our scientists primarily use Python for programming but do not want to familiarise themselves with all the intricacies of the underlying control infrastructure.<\/p>\n
To address this, systems will be designed to hide the control infrastructure complexity while enabling the integration of advanced AI and other algorithms. Additionally, a shared GPU system will be implemented to provide easy access to computing resources without requiring individual purchases. The next generation of equipment will be (more) autonomous. And the idea is that the final accelerator becomes an ensemble of hierarchical autonomous systems. Information distribution will also be revisited.<\/p>\n
What are the key challenges faced in enhancing the efficiency of particle accelerators?<\/h3>\n Many of the tasks undertaken here at CERN have never been attempted before. While there are technical hurdles, they are not insurmountable.<\/p>\n
For quite some time, the greatest challenge was convincing people of the need to improve efficiency. These accelerators have been operational for a considerable time, and there was, and perhaps still is, scepticism about the potential for improvement and the benefits of investing in such a project.<\/p>\n
However, once we presented the project and demonstrated the minimal initial investment required for the first step, those arguments no longer stood. In fact, people are now anticipating the results. According to our timeline, significant results for several of the work packages should be evident by the end of next year.<\/p>\n
Additionally, the entire project is time-limited, with only five years to complete it. This adds an extra layer of challenge and interest, so we must remain focused and avoid getting sidetracked.<\/p>\n
Your team comes from a variety of backgrounds across CERN. How important is collaboration for the project?<\/h3>\n The nine work packages may appear distinct, but they are all very much interconnected. For any one of them to succeed, they all need to thrive. Collaboration is essential from the outset to define the requirements, and everyone must contribute to defining the necessary infrastructure and expected results. While this level of collaboration may not be typical, it is crucial in our case. The project has infrastructure projects and work packages that implement solutions in the accelerators to address specific issues but function as one team.<\/p>\n
How do you envision the EPA project impacting the field of particle physics, and what are the next steps?<\/h3>\n The idea for this project stemmed from an analysis of existing accelerators and preparing for the future of these accelerators. The goal is to develop a blueprint of an exploitation model for future accelerators. The team is closely collaborating with the team working on the Future Circular Collider (FCC) study at CERN, which is envisioned to have an almost 100km circumference.<\/p>\n
The current business-as-usual model would not be affordable for the FCC. Therefore, there is no way around innovating. Our project seeks to establish a new operational and maintenance model for future accelerators, aiming to set a new standard for efficiency and sustainability, as well as a set of guidelines for self-sustaining systems.<\/p>\n
Please note, this article will also appear in the 20th edition of our\u00a0quarterly publication<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"CERN outlines the Efficient Particle Accelerator Project’s objectives and the innovative strategies being used to achieve its goals.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":53397,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24429],"tags":[529,814,24616],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
CERN's EPA project is redefining performance and sustainability<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n