MOU Rail Welding Robot

Date

25 May 2025

Expertises

The development of a high-precision, high-quality robot for welding rails and switch components is rapidly becoming a reality. Once operational, the welding robot will contribute to extending the service life of rail infrastructure and address the growing shortage of skilled rail welders.

Memorandum of Understanding

On May 21st, Robel Rail Automation, ProRail, VolkerRail, and Strukton Rail signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), affirming the importance and necessity of further developing the welding robot for future rail maintenance. This agreement marks a significant step toward adapting the technology for deployment on the Dutch railway network.

Promising

What started as a vision for robotic rail maintenance is now translating into tangible progress. Robel Rail Automation is developing the robot in close collaboration with contractors VolkerRail and Strukton Rail, and infrastructure manager ProRail. Eight welds carried out by the robot at the Maasvlakte have been continuously monitored for nearly a year, with promising results so far.

“What started as a vision for robotic rail maintenance is now translating into tangible progress.”

Future rail maintenance

The welding robot, housed in a double-container unit mounted on a rail wagon, is designed to weld both standard carbon steel rails and switch components. It can operate during nighttime hours and under adverse weather conditions, without fatigue, and with consistently high precision. The robot will also enable working with only one track closed, and the adjacent track (potentially) open. This makes the system an ideal solution for the future of automated rail maintenance.

Next phase

With the MOU signed at the International Exhibition for Track Technology (IaF) in Münster on May 21st, the project now moves into its next phase: investing in the further development of the welding robot and exploring its application within the Dutch rail network.

More innovations

We are committed to build and maintain safe, future-proof and sustainable rail networks and are involved in a variety of innovations for that aim.

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Welding robot - Innovation for the future

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions here.

What is railway maintenance?

Railway maintenance refers to all activities required to keep rail infrastructure safe, reliable and in optimal condition. This includes tracks, switches, overhead lines, sleepers, ballast, power supply, cables, ducts and signalling systems. Routine inspections and major renewal activities such as rail grinding, tamping and ballast maintenance are essential to ensuring long‑term track performance. Asset management plays a crucial role in rail maintenance.

What is the purpose of railway maintenance?

The purpose of railway maintenance is to ensure the safety of passengers and train operations, prevent failures and delays, extend the lifespan of rail assets and avoid costly repairs by resolving issues early. Maintenance is vital for keeping high‑usage rail networks reliable and efficient, reducing disruptions and supporting sustainable rail operations.

What is the best way to perform railway maintenance?

Modern railway maintenance combines condition monitoring, inspection data, advanced algorithms and expert domain knowledge to support data‑driven decision‑making. Digital tools and predictive analytics help maintenance teams detect issues earlier, schedule interventions more effectively and continuously improve the maintenance cycle. These approaches are increasingly adopted across Europe to boost reliability and reduce unplanned downtime

How is maintenance priority determined?

Maintenance priority is determined using asset condition models and long‑term asset management strategies. This enables companies and railway managers to forecast the future state of critical rail components, helping planners intervene at the optimal moment. Intelligent asset‑management systems make it possible to compare scenarios, estimate remaining service life and plan renewals efficiently based on operational needs and strategic investment priorities.

When does railway maintenance take place?

Because European rail networks are heavily used, maintenance is often carried out during night‑time or weekend possessions when fewer trains are running. High‑traffic lines require carefully planned maintenance windows to minimise service disruptions while ensuring infrastructure remains safe and in good condition.

How is the safety of train operations ensured during maintenance?

Safety is maintained through strict operational procedures in combination with modelling and prioritisation based on asset criticality. Intelligent asset management and real‑time monitoring technologies help identify risks at an early stage and ensure trains can continue to operate safely. These systems support long‑term investment planning and maintain the reliability of the rail network.

What are the main challenges of railway construction in densely populated European urban areas

Railway construction in European urban areas faces several challenges, including limited space, strict environmental regulations and the need to manage noise and vibration in line with European rail standards. Complex public transport networks, high population density and the demand for uninterrupted urban mobility add further constraints.