The four-legged robot Spot, manufactured by Boston Dynamics, is being tested at the Mainz-Bischofsheim car repair depot. It is equipped with special equipment for the identification and inspection of freight cars, which allows it to automatically determine their location on the tracks and inspect the condition of the wheel pair axles. Based on the test results, DB Cargo, part of the German railways, will decide to introduce Spot robots into other depots.
Autonomous and highly technologically advanced, Spot is equipped with cameras, sensors and artificial intelligence to efficiently inspect and identify railcars. The use of such robots will free workers from routine tasks and reduce labor costs and maintenance costs.
The development of application software for the Spot robot was entrusted to the German startup Energy Robotics on behalf of DB Cargo. Testing of the robot has already begun on the Munich S-Bahn, where it performs a patrol and security function, relaying information to DB security officers when necessary.