NETHERLANDS: The partly-automated Trackbot machine developed by a Dutch consortium to speed up ETCS installation is now ready to begin working on live signalling schemes, according to Strukton Rail. The contractor displayed the machine at the Rail Tech Europe 2026 trade show in Utrecht on March 4-5.
First unveiled in 2022, the Trackbot is able to automate the previously manual task of drilling into sleepers, screwing in ETCS Eurobalises and verifying the correct position of the fitment to a high degree of accuracy. After an extensive period of testing in dedicated possession zones, the Trackbot is now expected to start work for ProRail this month as part of preparation to roll out ERTMS on routes around Leeuwarden.
The battery-powered vehicle has been designed to autonomously install axle counters and balises on the track. According to Strukton, it can automatically position axle counters and balises and manage the resulting information flow to speed up the installation process.
The prototype robot has been built by consortium member AMT with support from Strukton Rail and start-up No Man Trackwork.
Funding for the project has been provided throught the robotics workstream of the Europe’s Rail research programme, while ProRail has supported its development through the ‘ASAP ERTMS’ initiative to accelerate adoption of ETCS on the Dutch network.
To achieve ProRail’s current target, around 50 000 balises and more than 20 000 axle counters need to be installed. Strukton told Railway Gazette International that amendments to the regulatory stndards governing Eurobalise installation had also been required to support the use of a robot for this task.
Meanwhile, AMT and No Man Trackwork are continuing to develop the Trackbot concept, with future variants expected to provide the ability to undertake a raft of common track maintenance tasks including removal of fastenings and clamping and lifting of rails.
