Robotic Platform for maintenance works in rail depots

AI Quick Summary

TechInn is creating advanced hardware and IoT solutions to transform traditional transport depots into smart depots. We are keen on modern technologies and driven by innovation. Our projects integrate Robotics, AI, IoT and AR/VR, framed with our engineering approach. Extensive experience in rail vehicle engineering, mechanics, microprocessor control systems and IT systems development let us go beyond conventional solutions - understanding what happens behind the scenes. Thus, our focus is on creating smart, simple and user-friendly solutions.Our product is the robotic platform, that could be equipped with one of four specialised modules to perform the maintenance tasks. The robotic platform and a module for cleaning and filling brake systems are already in use. Company and teamTechInn is creating advanced hardware and IoT solutions to transform traditional transport depots into smart depots. We are keen on modern technologies and driven by innovation. Our projects integrate Robotics, AI, IoT and AR/VR, framed with our engineering approach. Extensive experience in rail vehicle engineering, mechanics, microprocessor control systems and IT systems development let us go beyond conventional solutions - understanding what happens behind the scenes. Thus, our focus is on creating smart, simple and user-friendly solutions.ChallengesRobotics has already delivered significant benefits to the electronics and automotive industries, and we believe that the transport sector, in particular, can greatly benefit from the integration of advanced technologies. While well-established, time-tested solutions have been successful for decades, we aim to enhance them with technologies that are already available on the market.There are a number of challenges at the Depot, that we would like to solve:shortage of staffhigh staff turnoverhigh salary expensesinsufficient qualification and experience to handle complex technologiesSolutionThe robotic platform is a self-propelled solution equipped with a specialised module for performing particular maintenance tasks.The platform is a cart with a configurable wheel arrangement to achieve the required load capacity. It features a microprocessor-based control system and can be operated manually by an operator or function autonomously in AGV or AMR mode, depending on depot readiness. The movement is powered by lithium-ion batteries.Specialised modules:a module for cleaning and filling brake systems,a module for lifting and transporting bogies or individual bogie components during heavy maintenance (this solution enables the movement of individual bogie components and entire bogies indoors without the need for cranes or rail),a module for drone-based inspection for daily monitoring,a module for surface disinfection inside the rolling stock (based on the UVC-LED technology).Solution Impact Separate robotic systems perform maintenance on various train systems and individual components. However, they all share the goal of enhancing personnel safety by eliminating the need to lift or move heavy components.Key advantages:increased safety – reduces manual handling of heavy systems, minimising the risk of injury,high autonomy – the system independently executes maintenance tasks (e.g., brake system cleaning) strictly according to the manual,consistent precision – maintenance processes are carried out with constant accuracy,enhanced monitoring – remote monitoring, along with audio and visual alerts, keeps personnel informed of maintenance progress,flexible operation – robots can function in AGV or AMR mode,optimised workforce – skilled specialists receive advanced automation tools, allowing them to handle a greater workload without compromising quality,reduced maintenance time – faster servicing and repairs,lower maintenance costs – (See case study for cost analysis).Case studyResults achieved with the implementation of the robot with a module for tram brake circuit testing and cleaning:enhanced efficiency & safety: the robot uses a self-propelled platform to manipulate the brake system (over 400 kg), reducing the required workforce to a single operator while significantly improving worker safety.fully automated cleaning process: automation and real-time status notifications minimise direct worker involvement, allowing them to focus on other tasks during cleaning.remote operation: the system can be controlled even from a maintenance pit, enabling a single worker to handle the entire hydraulic brake system cleaning process.Cost Reduction: At the Bratislava depot, the cost of cleaning a single tram dropped from €840 to just €70, thanks to a more advanced oil cleaning technology compared to previous methods.Current Applications and Partners Ongoing Testing: A robot for cleaning and testing the hydraulic brake circuits of trams and LRVs is currently undergoing trials for urban transport companies.Upcoming Developments: A robot for automated transportation of heavy components is being prepared for testing.Key Partnerships: We have long-term collaborations with Škoda Transportation and urban transport companies in Riga and Prague.Past & Ongoing Projects:Development and delivery of hydraulic brake system cleaning and testing devices for trams and LRVs.Shock absorber testing systems and air disinfection systems.Implementation of remote monitoring and data collection systems for rolling stock components.Potential customersRailway Depots,Heavy Maintenance Workshops,Urban Transport Enterprises.Our purpose within the projectOptimise the robotic solution to meet the specific maintenance and heavy maintenance conditions in SBB.Manufacture and test the solution in real SBB maintenance environments to ensure its effectiveness and reliability.

Project Idea Metadata

Project Idea Name: Robotic Platform for maintenance works in rail depots
Date: 3/16/2025 7:50:18 PM
Administrators:
- Juliya Kasaeva, PhD

Project Idea Description

Company and team

Extensive experience in rail vehicle engineering, mechanics, microprocessor control systems and IT systems development let us go beyond conventional solutions - understanding what happens behind the scenes. Thus, our focus is on creating smart, simple and user-friendly solutions.

Challenges

Robotics has already delivered significant benefits to the electronics and automotive industries, and we believe that the transport sector, in particular, can greatly benefit from the integration of advanced technologies. While well-established, time-tested solutions have been successful for decades, we aim to enhance them with technologies that are already available on the market.

There are a number of challenges at the Depot, that we would like to solve:

shortage of staff
high staff turnover
high salary expenses
insufficient qualification and experience to handle complex technologies

Solution

The robotic platform is a self-propelled solution equipped with a specialised module for performing particular maintenance tasks.

The platform is a cart with a configurable wheel arrangement to achieve the required load capacity. It features a microprocessor-based control system and can be operated manually by an operator or function autonomously in AGV or AMR mode, depending on depot readiness. The movement is powered by lithium-ion batteries.

Specialised modules:

a module for cleaning and filling brake systems,
a module for lifting and transporting bogies or individual bogie components during heavy maintenance (this solution enables the movement of individual bogie components and entire bogies indoors without the need for cranes or rail),
a module for drone-based inspection for daily monitoring,
a module for surface disinfection inside the rolling stock (based on the UVC-LED technology).

Solution Impact

Separate robotic systems perform maintenance on various train systems and individual components. However, they all share the goal of enhancing personnel safety by eliminating the need to lift or move heavy components.

Key advantages:

increased safety – reduces manual handling of heavy systems, minimising the risk of injury,
high autonomy – the system independently executes maintenance tasks (e.g., brake system cleaning) strictly according to the manual,
consistent precision – maintenance processes are carried out with constant accuracy,
enhanced monitoring – remote monitoring, along with audio and visual alerts, keeps personnel informed of maintenance progress,
flexible operation – robots can function in AGV or AMR mode,
optimised workforce – skilled specialists receive advanced automation tools, allowing them to handle a greater workload without compromising quality,
reduced maintenance time – faster servicing and repairs,
lower maintenance costs – (See case study for cost analysis).

Case study

Results achieved with the implementation of the robot with a module for tram brake circuit testing and cleaning:

enhanced efficiency & safety: the robot uses a self-propelled platform to manipulate the brake system (over 400 kg), reducing the required workforce to a single operator while significantly improving worker safety.
fully automated cleaning process: automation and real-time status notifications minimise direct worker involvement, allowing them to focus on other tasks during cleaning.
remote operation: the system can be controlled even from a maintenance pit, enabling a single worker to handle the entire hydraulic brake system cleaning process.

Cost Reduction: At the Bratislava depot, the cost of cleaning a single tram dropped from €840 to just €70, thanks to a more advanced oil cleaning technology compared to previous methods.

Current Applications and Partners

Ongoing Testing: A robot for cleaning and testing the hydraulic brake circuits of trams and LRVs is currently undergoing trials for urban transport companies.
Upcoming Developments: A robot for automated transportation of heavy components is being prepared for testing.
Key Partnerships: We have long-term collaborations with Škoda Transportation and urban transport companies in Riga and Prague.
Past & Ongoing Projects:
- Development and delivery of hydraulic brake system cleaning and testing devices for trams and LRVs.
- Shock absorber testing systems and air disinfection systems.
- Implementation of remote monitoring and data collection systems for rolling stock components.

Potential customers

Railway Depots,
Heavy Maintenance Workshops,
Urban Transport Enterprises.

Our purpose within the project

Optimise the robotic solution to meet the specific maintenance and heavy maintenance conditions in SBB.
Manufacture and test the solution in real SBB maintenance environments to ensure its effectiveness and reliability.

Our product is the robotic platform, that could be equipped with one of four specialised modules to perform the maintenance tasks. The robotic platform and a module for cleaning and filling brake systems are already in use.