Since 22 July 2026, CERN’s Security Service has been testing an autonomous robot designed to reinforce security monitoring on the Meyrin and Prévessin sites.

The two-wheeled mobile robot is equipped with 360° cameras, a thermal imaging camera and acoustic sensors. It travels at speeds of up to 5 km/h and can operate for about eight hours before automatically returning to its charging station.

Over a four-month trial period, it will patrol the perimeters of the Meyrin and Prévessin sites, which measure 4.9 km and 5.5 km respectively. Its role is to detect any potential security concerns, such as a damaged section of fencing or the presence of a ladder near the perimeter. When such an anomaly is detected, an automatic alert is sent to the Access Control Centre (CSA), allowing the security guards to respond quickly.

Other applications are being investigated, such as detection of external doors left open outside working hours.

If you come across this new colleague on patrol, please don’t touch it: let it carry out its mission undisturbed. Feel free to say hello, though, and you may even get a reply!