Towards next-generation instrument control framework for neutron experiments at MLF, J-PARC

At J-PARC MLF, many neutron instruments currently operate using IROHA2, the standard instrument control framework. Since IROHA2 has been used for over a decade, several challenges have emerged due to architectural obsolescence and limitations in adapting the existing system to new requirements.To address these issues, we initiated the development of a next-generation control system as a post-IROHA2 framework in 2023, which is currently in the prototype phase. The new system is designed as a data-centric distributed architecture, aiming to enable data-driven experimental environments. By centrally managing device status and control requests in the database, flexible and efficient data utilization can be achieved. To ensure a loosely coupled architecture, asynchronous messaging is employed between distributed components. For device control, the system supports both the conventional IROHA2 device modules and the EPICS framework. While the control components are deployed on-premises, the database and user front-end are deployed in a cloud environment to form a hybrid cloud-based experimental system. This configuration enables secure remote experiment control through cloud-based access, which avoids direct connection to local systems, and facilitates future integration with cloud-based AI services to realize autonomous and feedback-driven control. This presentation outlines the conceptual framework, the current status of the system, as well as the remaining technical challenges.