Robotic Inspections
Britain’s railways have come a long way since the days of platelayers, who walked miles each day inspecting tracks by sight. Inspection methods have steadily advanced, from hand-pumped trolleys to modern measurement trains, drones and trackside sensors.
Now, inspection technology has progressed even further, with advanced tools offering greater precision, automation and safety.
Belvoir Rail is pushing the boundaries by introducing robotic quadrupeds to support both infrastructure and rolling stock inspections. These agile, sensor equipped machines can navigate complex environments, providing a new level of accuracy, flexibility and safety.
Infrastructure
Equipped with high-resolution cameras, sensors and AI, robot dogs can inspect tracks, bridges, tunnels and overhead lines. They can assess drainage systems, vegetation and environmental conditions, and carry out live video surveillance or emergency response in areas too hazardous for people. These robots detect anomalies, identify faults and pick up even the slightest changes, helping prevent issues before they escalate.
One notable deployment by Network Rail involved using a robot dog to inspect culverts, structures that allow water to flow under tracks. Traditionally, these inspections required line closures to ensure worker safety. Now, the robot can carry out these checks without service disruption, reducing risk and saving time, while providing a greater understanding of the condition of these structures.
Belvoir Rail supported this project from the outset, working closely with Network Rail to assess requirements, identify the most suitable solution, and deliver full training on its deployment.
Rolling Stock
In addition to infrastructure work, these robots are being developed to support rolling stock maintenance teams by inspecting undercarriages, key components and internal carriage conditions.
They detect fluid leaks and damage, monitor wear on systems, and assist with visual checks in confined or hard to reach areas, reducing the need for staff to enter hazardous spaces and improving safety.
Implementation and Impact
The data gathered by these units supports predictive maintenance, helping to identify faults before failures occur. This extends asset life, minimises downtime and improves safety.
Real-time data collection and automated reporting streamline inspection workflows, while long-term analysis uncovers trends to guide proactive maintenance strategies. With consistent, unbiased data regardless of weather or lighting conditions, robotic inspections bring a new level of reliability to rail operations.
With further trials underway, Belvoir Rail’s robot dogs are proving their value in enhancing inspection capabilities and supporting a safer, more efficient and data-driven future for the railway industry.
Learn more: www.belvoir-rail.com/robotics-for-rail