Case study: Felix, robotic innovation in the railway sector
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- by REMdevice
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3D Diagnostics and Precision Control
In the railway sector, precision and safety are the pillars of modern maintenance. Felix was born from the collaboration between Loccioni Research for Innovation and RFI (Rete Ferroviaria Italiana).
Felix is the first certified mobile robot for the automatic inspection of Switches and Crossings (S&C). To control this cutting-edge technology in such a complex environment, the Pail REMdevice manipulator was chosen.
Felix: S&C Inspection and Track Status
- Laser Profilometers: Equipped with sensors to create precise 3D reconstructions of the inspected parts.
- Automatic Diagnostics: Scans components subject to wear, storing and displaying measurements in real time, and creating specific reports.
- Objective Reports: Improves measurement quality and makes surveys objective, avoiding human errors during the data acquisition and transfer phases.
- Versatility: Felix can analyze several switches in sequence; the speed and minimum scanning pitch can be set according to the customer’s needs.
Remote Operation on Rugged Terrain
During the survey, Felix is managed remotely via a tablet and an industrial radio control operated by a technician who follows the robot from a distance while walking along the tracks.
In such a context, where the risk of falling due to sleepers and stones on the ballast is high, a potential trip by the operator would result in a loss of control of the transmitter. Hence the choice of an industrial safety radio control that guarantees the machinery shuts down if the operator trips, avoiding all risks deriving from involuntarily entered commands and protecting anyone who might lose control of the radio control.
The Technology of the Pail Radio Control
The Pail transmitter was chosen for the management of Felix, designed to offer extreme reliability even in the most difficult conditions thanks to its technical characteristics.
- Super Resistant Materials: The protective shell is made of glass-fiber reinforced nylon, which guarantees superior protection against impacts and mechanical stress.
- Total Protection: The radio control is isolated from the outside, and the internal electronics are thus preserved from dirt, liquids, and dust.
- Energy Efficiency: Thanks to the induction charging system, the Pail offers an extraordinary autonomy of 35 hours of work for only 5 hours of charging.
This is a PAIL, specifically the Pail M1G version, with a robust CAN BUS serial communication protocol, a receiver installed on the Felix mobile robot, and an external antenna. The manipulator, which is fully customised, including the screen-printed panel, is equipped with a GESSMANN 4×4 step 2-axis joystick, a single-axis proportional joystick, and a side button for the buzzer.
Conclusion
The Felix project demonstrates how the integration between advanced robotics and reliable control systems is the key to many projects. Guaranteeing operator safety and precision in the maintenance and management of machinery are fundamental to raising infrastructure reliability standards and ensuring technological excellence in every phase of the industrial process.
Photo Credits: Loccioni
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