Robot welding system set to fast-track rail and road maintenance

An innovative robot system that is capable of repairing rails and points is set to change the way European rail networks are maintained. Using industrial robots from FANUC, the system has been designed and manufactured by Robel Rail Automation, German specialists in the maintenance of rail infrastructure. 

 The system features a rail-traversing wagon mounted by two FANUC robots which detect internal and external defects. The robots then perform fully automatic repairs using welding, milling and grinding processes. Robel Rail Automation is already seeing high demand for the system, particularly in the case of time-consuming and complicated repair work of points, as rail companies are finding it increasingly challenging to secure skilled workers such as welders.  

The robots perform fully automatic repairs using welding, milling and grinding processes.

In addition to carrying out continuous maintenance work safely and efficiently, the use of FANUC robots in the Robel Rail Automation System ensures consistent quality and a high level of traceability, thanks to wagon-mounted ultrasound equipment, eddy current measuring systems and a camera system. This covers damage that is not visible to the naked eye and ensures measurement and process data is digitally available to the end-user. 

 Both FANUC and Robel Rail Automation are optimistic about the future use of robots for infrastructure maintenance, as there is a need for modernisation across both the rail and road networks. Robots can help to speed up the completion of lengthy maintenance projects by taking over repetitive work and least partially compensating for the growing labour shortage.