A Study on Automating Rolling-stock Maintenance in the Rail Industry using Robotics

Abstract

Maintenance cost of United Kingdom’s rail rolling stock is a substantial portion of its whole life costs. Therefore, it is vital to conduct these maintenance tasks in an efficient and cost-effective manner to minimize operational costs while maximizing safety, quality, and consistency of service. The introduction of robotics and<br/>other intelligent mechanisms to maintenance processes would be an ideal solution to these challenges. Hence, this research suggests introducing autonomous maintenance systems equipped with industrial robots to tasks within the railway system, specifically for rolling-stock maintenance. The paper summarizes on-going and future work of a case-study conduct in conjunction with a UK railway operator.