RAS for train fluid servicing

This project will carry out proof-of-concept tasks necessary for the development of a robotic autonomous system (RAS) for fluid servicing of passenger trains. It will be designed by a collaborative team from TBG Solutions and Brunel University London with support from Chiltern Railways. The need for such a system is demanded by the expected 100% growth in rail passenger traffic over the next 30 years and consequent massive increase in train servicing demand. We will apply robust engineering design research to map out the RAS performance over the range of train port locations and representative environmental conditions. We will design a RAS interface that has greater throughput and zero spillage and cross-contamination of ports. Safety will be an important design aspect to provide for the optimum robot-human co-working environment. While the rail industry has not yet followed industries such as automotive in exploiting RAS developments, it can be an innovative solution to the increasing refuelling requirements of expanding train fleets.The application of RAS technology in this area will have a role to play in improving the service provided for the consumer. The project will serve to contribute to greater acceptance of RAS in the working environment with consequent economic and job quality benefits.