Robot Dog Takes Over Dangerous Rail Car Inspections

A four-legged robot called ANYmal now inspects rail cars, reducing risks to human workers who traditionally perform these demanding safety checks.

The robot uses cameras that capture visual, thermal, and sound data to detect problems with rail equipment early.

Rail inspections typically force workers to brave harsh weather and perform physically taxing tasks that can lead to fatigue and accidents.

ANYmal's design allows it to move easily through difficult terrain and tight spaces around trains and tracks.

Rail companies expect the robot to help them avoid expensive repairs by catching equipment issues sooner.

The shift to robotic inspectors marks a significant change in how rail companies maintain their equipment.

This technology aims to keep human workers away from the most dangerous aspects of rail maintenance while improving the accuracy of inspections.

The move toward automated inspections reflects broader efforts to modernize rail systems and make them safer.