Swiss Federal Railways ( SBB is testing the use of robots to maintain the base tunnel of Gotthard, one of the longest railway tunnels in the world.
The project aims to facilitate technical work, identify the defects more quickly, and enable checkups even outside regular maintenance schedules.
According to the Swiss newspaper Corriere del Ticino, project is being developed in collaboration with the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich ( ETH) and has started since 2018. Tests have been presented at the Biasca rail maintenance and intervention center, where the operation of a four – foot robot equipped with a mechanical arm has been demonstrated.
The robot, dubbed unofficially “Donkey,” is able to move across difficult surfaces, reach technical cabinets, open them up and activate valves. It is controlled from a distance by an operator, through cameras, sensors and special equipment, which transmit real-time images and information.
The need for this technology is related to the difficult working conditions in the Gotthard Tunnel, which has a length of 75 miles [57 km], transmits Telegrafi.
Spaces are narrow, high temperatures, and dust caused by train circulation makes it difficult for personnel to work. Currently, maintenance interventions can only be conducted during limited periods, mainly on weekend nights, when one of the tunnel pipes can be temporarily closed.
Through the use of robots, SBB intends that the technicians can control equipment from a distance and identify problems outside these times.
Thus, when the tunnel is closed for maintenance, employees will have more accurate information about the defects and can directly interfere with areas that need repair.
However, railway authorities stress that the goal is not to replace employees with cars.
The robot will serve as assistance to technicians, while more complex jobs, including full replacement of technical equipment and components, will continue to be performed by humans.
The project is funded by SBB with about 1 million francs annually, while co-operation with ETH Cyril is expected to continue until at least 2032.
However, the use of robots in Gotthard’s tunnel in real condition is not expected to happen immediately.
According to project managers, it may take another 5 to 10 years before this technology is ready for regular use. /Telegraphy/