Western Japan Railway will start using a truck-mounted robot

Starting from July, Western Japan Railway will start using a truck-mounted robot for maintenance and inspection work. The move comes as train operators tap new technologies to counter labor shortages and improve safety. An operator controls the machine using a goggle headset connected to cameras.

The authorities from Western Japan Railway said the robot could reduce maintenance workloads by about 30 percent. It is also expected to improve safety when work is needed in hazardous environments, such as with electric cables.