Robotics serving the railway of the future

The challenge: Robotics serving the railway of the future

Context:

Renfe connects thousands of passengers in Catalonia every day, operating in an environment of mass mobility, complex infrastructure and high demands for efficiency, safety and sustainability. Robotics, combined with other emerging technologies such as AI, sensorisation, connectivity and automation, is opening a new chapter in rail transport. Several reports project that the adoption of robotics will accelerate significantly:

The global market for rolling stock inspection robots is projected to grow from around €557 million in 2025 to approximately €1.223 billion in 2031.

A report by the World Economic Forum indicates that the costs of creating humanoid robots could fall from €32,000 in 2025 to €15,000 in 2030, which would imply much wider adoption (lower barriers to entry).

We are therefore at a point where we can imagine not only incremental improvements, but disruptive leaps: robots that inspect tracks, trains and stations; robotic passenger assistants; autonomous maintenance and cleaning platforms; and new operating models.

Challenge description:

What are we looking for? Type of solutions

How could robotics transform Renfe’s daily operations in 10 years' time?

·       Railway maintenance and operations

Example: an autonomous robot that inspects or repairs tracks, trains or infrastructure without interrupting operations or does so at times of minimal impact.

·       Passenger experience & smart stations

Example: a robotic assistant that guides, informs, carries luggage, facilitates accessibility, or an autonomous and sustainable night-time cleaning robot.

·       Sustainability, energy efficiency and resources

Example: a robot that optimises screen/ventilation cleaning, manages batteries or air conditioning systems on trains.

·       Safety, emergencies and resilience

Example: robot or drone that scans tunnels or bridges after inclement weather, responds to intrusions or emergencies, or performs autonomous surveillance of critical areas.