40-feet-tall humanoid robot with Wall-E-like head to work on train lines

West Japan Railways is using a giant humanoid robot to maintain train lines and perform other critical tasks. The 40-feet-tall humanoid robot mounted on a truck has enormous arms, and coke-bottle eyes.

The giant machine is operated by a person who sits in a cockpit on the truck. Its powerful limbs and hands can be operated easily seeing via robot’s eyes that are equipped with cameras.

Jinki Ittai Co, a robotics technology developer, and Nippon Signal Co, an IT and electricals in infrastructure firm, jointly developed the machine.

Mechanization will contribute greatly to improved safety

The machine would allow “people of all genders and ages” to work on railway maintenance, although it is unclear what would stop women working on overhead lines. The mechanization will contribute greatly to the goal of eliminating workplace accidents caused by electric shock or falls, and will also lead to improved safety, reported Railway Technology .

Machine will help fill worker shortages

According to the company, the technology will help fill worker shortages in aging Japan as well as reduce accidents such as workers falling from high places or suffering electric shocks.

“In the future, we hope to use machines for all kinds of maintenance operations of our infrastructure, and this should provide a case study for how to deal with the labour shortage,” said company president Kazuaki Hasegawa, according to The Guardian.

Jinki claims that the robot can lift and maneuver heavy loads like steel pipes, plates or wires, and do its job just like any human because as it’s controlled by one.

By synchronizing their movements with the robot, the human operator can use the machinery to perform complex tasks that require both power and finesse.

According to Jinki , the robot basically replicates the movements of an actual human inside the cockpit of the heavy machinery. They have special goggles connected to the eyes of the robot, and they can precisely control the movement of its arms using a technology developed by the company.

The giant robot is expected to lead to a significant advancement in maintenance technology and safety. This solution will help address current challenges in the industry and provide more reliable and efficient railway line maintenance and could reduce workforce required for most tasks by 30%.

The new robot will also be used for felling trees, removing obstacles, painting infrastructure objects, and replacing signal equipment.
Mechanization will not only reduce the risk of accidents caused by electric shocks or falls but also create conditions for a more diverse working environment, according to Railway Supply .