Robot Dog Helps Russian Railways Staff Monitor Lastochka Repair Quality
Trials of the device are underway at the Podmoskovnaya multiple-unit depot.
Specialists from Russian Railways are testing a robot dog at the Podmoskovnaya multiple-unit depot. The device is designed to monitor the quality of repairs to Lastochka electric multiple units.
The robot dog was developed by specialists at the Research and Design Institute for Information Technology, Signalling and Telecommunications on Railway Transport (NIIAS). It is equipped with video cameras, a lidar sensor, and artificial intelligence. The robot can navigate its surroundings independently and make decisions autonomously. During the trials, for example, it conducted a visual inspection of an electric multiple unit’s axlebox assemblies and correctly assessed their condition.
The robot does not operate on its own, however. A specialist with a tablet stays nearby, tracking the robot dog’s location and collecting data in real time.
The developers’ next steps include expanding the robot’s capabilities and building a prototype.
