{"id":2649,"date":"2025-04-09T14:36:57","date_gmt":"2025-04-09T14:36:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usedrobotstrade.com\/blog\/?p=2649"},"modified":"2025-04-09T14:36:57","modified_gmt":"2025-04-09T14:36:57","slug":"rail-robotics-how-fanuc-and-robel-are-revolutionising-rail-maintenance-in-europe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usedrobotstrade.com\/blog\/rail-robotics-how-fanuc-and-robel-are-revolutionising-rail-maintenance-in-europe\/","title":{"rendered":"RAIL ROBOTICS: HOW FANUC AND ROBEL ARE REVOLUTIONISING RAIL MAINTENANCE IN EUROPE"},"content":{"rendered":"

The maintenance of railway infrastructures in Europe is undergoing a significant transformation thanks to the introduction of an innovative robotic system. Developed by Robel Rail Automation, a Bavarian company specializing in railway maintenance, this system uses FANUC industrial robots<\/a> to automate the repair of rails and switches.<\/p>\n

Robel Rail Automation, founded in 2022 and based in Bavaria, Germany, is a company specializing in the maintenance of railway infrastructures. With more than 500 employees, the company is dedicated to developing automated systems for the repair and maintenance of railway tracks.<\/p>\n

One of Robel Rail Automation’s most notable projects is the development of a robotic system capable of repairing rails and switches. This system uses FANUC industrial robots<\/a> to detect and repair internal and external defects in the tracks. Equipped with ultrasound technology, eddy current measurement systems, and cameras, the system identifies damage not visible to the naked eye and performs automatic repairs through welding, milling, and grinding processes.<\/p>\n

The implementation of this system offers multiple benefits, including continuous and safe maintenance work, ensuring uniform and well-documented work quality. Additionally, it helps mitigate the shortage of skilled workers in the railway sector by automating repetitive and complex tasks.<\/p>\n

System Configuration and Operation<\/strong><\/p>\n

The system consists of a wagon that moves along the tracks and is equipped with two FANUC robots<\/a>. These robots are designed to detect both internal and external defects in the rails. Once anomalies are identified, the robots carry out automatic repairs through welding, milling, and grinding processes.<\/p>\n

Advantages and Benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thomas Weis, development director at Robel Rail Automation, highlights the growing demand for automated maintenance systems assisted by robots, especially for complex and laborious tasks such as switch repair. The shortage of skilled workers, such as welders, has driven the need for automated solutions that can perform repetitive tasks with precision and consistency.<\/p>\n

The Robel Rail Automation system offers multiple benefits:<\/p>\n