Predictive rail maintenance inspections are the next human process that robots are set to tackle.
The RIIS 1005 rail transit line inspection robot, made by Chinese robot manufacturer Shenhao, is a rail-wheeled, self-propelled motion platform with various high-precision inspection systems fitted. Weighing 115kg, its main functions are:
- track geometry parameter detection;
- rail surface damage detection;
- track bed foreign body detection;
- boundary intrusion detection;
- fastener defect detection; and
- rail profile/wear detection
Shenhao claims the robot overcomes the issues associated with human-only track maintenance inspections. These include low productivity, “scattered inspection quality”, and health and safety hazards.
The inspection data is analysed on a centralised monitoring platform.
Shenhao robots use intelligent recognition and analysis, deep learning, and multiple sensors. They can be equipped with intelligent recognition and infrared temperature measurement, high-definition image recognition, partial discharge detection, gas leakage monitoring, and noise pick-up and analysis among other options.
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