Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators

Rail track maintenance is only beginning to use AI. Right now, machines help inspect tracks: for example, drones and robot vehicles can identify cracks, obstacles or wear on rails ^[1]. In the UK, Network Rail is testing video cameras on trains with AI to spot scrap or damage, so workers don’t have to walk every mile of track ^{[2] [2]}.

Automated robots are also being tested to fix parts of track switches and frogs: one system can weld and grind worn rails with high precision ^{[3] [3]}. However, many hands-on tasks – like greasing machines, cutting rails by hand, clearing snow, or using wrenches on switch parts – are mostly done by people today. There aren’t yet widely used robots for those jobs.

Engineers still rely on human skill for the final repairs and tricky work.

Growing rail traffic and a shortage of skilled track workers are pushing companies to try new tech ^[3]. Automated tools can save money and reduce delays: one report notes that robotic welders make perfect joints faster, with only one worker supervising, which means fewer track closures and safer work conditions ^{[3] [3]}. Rail companies also use AI to predict when components need fixing, so they can plan maintenance before breakdowns ^[2].

On the other hand, these systems are expensive and still in early trials. Traditional track repair machines and crews are reliable and familiar. For now, most track tasks still need people’s judgment and care.

In the end, humans and AI are likely to work together – AI can do routine inspections or spot problems, while people handle the complicated fixes and decisions.