KOREAN national operator Korail has developed an autonomous inspection robot for railway infrastructure, which uses artificial intelligence. A live demonstration of the new device was held in Daejeon on December 4.
The robot is equipped with LTE communications, cameras, and Lidar sensors, and can operate autonomously on railway tracks to specified locations. The system detects obstacles that may disrupt train operations, transmitting video and alerts to operators in real time.
Korail says that it plans to deploy the new robot to proactively check the condition of tracks in extreme weather conditions or where there are risks to worker safety. It is hoped that the autonomous inspection robot, with its ability to conduct quick and safe inspections, will enhance railway accident prevention and the efficiency of inspection work.
Korail aims to complete trial operations of the device by the end of this year and move toward commercial use in the first half of 2024.
“Through the introduction of advanced technologies such as AI-based robots, we will scientifically enhance maintenance activities and devote even more effort to ensuring the safety of train operations," said Mr Han Moon hee, Korail president, while attending the demonstration.
