The Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI) has introduced automated rail diagnostics and a robot designed to warn workers of approaching trains, among other railway maintenance automation technologies. The institute also showcased cooling technology that can lower rail temperatures by up to 11°C during the summer.
On September 28, KRRI announced its participation in the InnoTrans 2026, the world's largest railway and transport technology expo held in Berlin from September 22 to 25. The event brought together global railway and transport companies to present their latest products and innovations.
At the expo, KRRI unveiled a 'dual-head rail surface roughness automation measurement system' that automates the process of measuring rail wear, which was previously done manually. This system uses mobile equipment to travel along the rails, measuring surface roughness and wave-like wear patterns.
KRRI also presented a 'train-detecting worker safety robot' that moves along the rails and detects approaching trains, alerting on-site workers with sound and light signals. This technology aims to reduce the risk of workers missing the approach of trains while performing maintenance near operational tracks.
In response to a collision incident involving a worker on the Gyeongbu Line in August 2022, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport initiated an investigation and measures to prevent future occurrences. A similar accident occurred in 2024 at Guro Station during track work.
KRRI also showcased rail management technologies aimed at addressing climate change. The institute developed a cooling fabric that reflects sunlight and can be installed on rails to reduce summer temperatures. Tests have shown it can lower rail temperatures by up to 11°C, and the installation and retrieval processes can also be automated. In winter, an anti-icing system is applied to prevent freezing of track switches.
In the field of environmental sustainability, KRRI presented eco-friendly PSC sleepers made from industrial byproducts, microwave pyrolysis technology that converts waste wooden sleepers into renewable fuel, and techniques for dismantling and crushing waste concrete sleepers to recover resources.
KRRI has also engaged in discussions with international railway organizations and companies, including the German Railway Traffic Research Center, the International Union of Railways, ENSCO from the United States, and the Japan Railway Technical Research Institute, regarding joint research and development, technology cooperation, and the potential for overseas demonstrations and commercialization.
“We have showcased K-rail technology that addresses global issues related to safety, maintenance, and environmental concerns,” said Sa Kong-myung, head of KRRI. “We will strive to facilitate overseas demonstrations and market entry.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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