10143880Remote autonomous rapid repair of railway infrastructureClosedSmall Business Research InitiativeInnovate UKThis project investigates the feasibility of modern, autonomous robotic devices to be deployed on unplanned inspection and repairs of railway infrastructure resulting from damage by nature, for example flooding, or deliberate disruptive events. It will help to restore railway services as soon, and as safe as possible. This solution will inspect and inform its human supervisor at base about any issues before starting remedial tasks, for example removing debris or vegetation and other materials encroached on the network, including those in tunnels and even when flooding occurs. The benefits include: * Rapid restoration of services. * Improved safety by remote operation, without need for on-foot site railway operators. All-terrain vehicles can operate during adverse weather and flooding conditions, preventing slips, trips, falls, including those in flooded potholes. * Autonomous vehicles can be deployed during the late and early hours. They can also approach the affected infrastructure areas off-track and can even "swim" if necessary, without relying on track access. * The robotic vehicles can collaborate with drones and other remotely operated vehicles.