Author: TOM EBINGER AND DANIEL HALL

Increasing Precision and Efficiency: Unveiling Our New Factory Robots

Problem solving that changes what's possible

In the fast-paced world of railway construction and maintenance, precision and efficiency are of paramount importance.

At Pandrol, as a leading global provider of rail infrastructure solutions, we lead the way when it comes to innovation, and that includes utilising ground-breaking technology. Recently, we have developed a new robotic system at our Worksop factory. These robots are helping with the production installation of pre-assembled baseplates which are can then be delivered on track around the world.

Designed to position and place baseplates with exceptional accuracy, this state-of-the-art technology ensures that rail tracks are aligned flawlessly, both in straight lines and curved configurations.

In this article we explore the capabilities and benefits of our robotic technology, highlighting its potential to revolutionise railway construction and maintenance processes.

Achieving precision

"Pandrol’s baseplate can be infinitely adjusted over its +/-12mm lateral range."

Achieving precision

Equipped with a sophisticated array of sensors and cameras, Pandrol’s robots scan the surface of a slab panel to detect whether a hole is slightly out of position due to tolerancing, or check that it is at the correct angle, the positions of the anchor points allowing it to identify the most suitable placement locations to be identified.

The robots process this information and communicate between each other in order to guide movements, positioning and placing the baseplates with accuracy. By ensuring a consistent application, this robotic system enhances safety and overall railway performance.

In all railway projects, tracks need to be curved to accommodate specific terrain features or operational track geometry requirements. Pandrol’s baseplate placement robots excel in applying these curved lines curves, ensuring smooth transitions and consistent alignment along the curve.

Each slab will take Pandrol’s robots a little over 4 minutes and 30 seconds to complete a 16 baseplate panel, with each individual slot placed with precision in a range of 12 millimetres.

By automating the process of attaching baseplates to the slab, the robot reduces manual labour requirements and minimises the risk of human error, leading to enhanced productivity with consistently reproduceable resultsefficiency and reproducability and productivity. and high levels of consistency.

Efficiency

By automating the crucial task of baseplate positioning, Pandrol can ensure that rail tracks are laid with the utmost precision and aligned to perfection in a cost effective, efficient way. As the global demand for efficient and reliable railway systems continues to grow, Pandrol's new robots are helping to streamline operations and driving the future of rail infrastructure development.

Benefits and advantages

The introduction of Pandrol’s baseplate placement robots brings a host of benefits to the railway construction and maintenance industry:

  • Increased accuracy:

The robot’s advanced sensing capabilities and precise movements significantly improve the accuracy of baseplate placement, leading to better track alignment and reduced maintenance needs.

  • Enhanced safety:

By eliminating human error in baseplate positioning, the robots system minimises the risk of track misalignment, which can lead to costly rework derailments and accidents.

  • Time and cost savings:

The automation of baseplate placement reduces reliance on manual labour, therefore increasing operational efficiency and reducing construction timelines. Additionally, the improved accuracy of initial installations lowers the need for subsequent adjustments and repairs, resulting in cost savings.

  • Adaptability and scalability:

The robot’s ability to handle both straight and curved track configurations make it a versatile tool for various railway projects. It can be easily programmed to accommodate different track requirements, providing flexibility and scalability to match project requirements.