As part of the preparations and impact assessment for the next legislative framework governing European partnerships...
Public Consultation: Shape the future of European partnerships
read more
Object Installation Robot – The ERTMS Trackbot for Automated Trackside Installation
The Challenge
Installing trackside components often requires repetitive manual work in hazardous environments, where precision is critical and errors can lead to costly delays. Improving both safety and consistency has become a key industry priority.
The solution
In response, Europe’s Rail (EU-Rail) has developed an automated installation system.
The Object Installation Robot automates the precise installation of Eurobalises and axle counters. It navigates to the design location, scans the sleeper, drills, installs anchors, and mounts the component. All installation data is automatically recorded in digital format to complete the Acceptance Protocol (ACP) and can be integrated with tools such as the Reality Model. This reduces errors, minimizes rework, and improves efficiency.
Readiness for Industrialisation and Deployment
The Trackbot is an MVP-level system that has already been tested and used in real infrastructure projects. Large-scale integration in the Netherlands will from March 2026 onwards, in ECTS-projects won for trajectories across the country. Further maturation of the system will continue throughout 2026.
Maturity level
With the first application in a real project in week 16 of 2026, the TrackBot moves beyond TRL 7 towards TRL 8, with further maturation throughout the year and the ambition to enable commercial rollout from 2026 onwards.
Expected benefits
- Improved consistency and quality: The automated installation of trackside components by the Trackbot improves consistency and overall installation quality.
- Reduced manual effort: It reduces manual hours for repetitive tasks.
- Optimised track access: Thanks to faster execution, it minimises the number and duration of track possessions required.
- Standardised digital data: Installation data is captured in a standardised digital format, enabling seamless integration with other technologies such as Digital Twin solutions and the Reality Model.
Who benefits
Infrastructure Managers
Railway operators
Conclusion
The Trackbot reduces errors and minimises rework, leading to both cost and time savings. Its accurate installation of Axle Counters and Eurobalises makes ETCS deployment timelines more reliable and realistic. In addition, safety is enhanced, as the use of the Trackbot reduces the need for manual trackside work.
Learn more about the project
FP3-IAM4Rail
This solution has been developed within the EU-Rail Flagship Project FP3-IAM4RAIL, which focuses on seven different integrated demonstrators for rail assets which are key for research and innovation in the rail sector.