Robots: coming soon to a station near you?

Robots could be guiding passengers around stations in the future, under plans revealed by Hitachi on October 15.

Using artificial intelligence, the robots would help passengers to find their trains and other amenities. This follows the Japanese company’s trial of smart sensor technology that could render ticket barriers obsolete.

“Britain’s railway stations could be revolutionised in the years to come, as we harness the latest breakthroughs in robotic and artificial intelligence technology,” said Hitachi Rail Sales Director Nick Hughes.

“Our concept of a smart station is already becoming a reality, with much of this technology already being trialled in Japan and Europe.”

The first test was at Tokyo’s Haneda airport in 2017, when a robot called EMIEW3 had the ability to communicate in multiple languages. It worked by the robot’s ‘brain’ using AI while communicating to a central computer system that provided information about what is taking place at the airport.

Hitachi claims the concept would support higher passenger numbers, and that real-time information could be personalised for each passenger to help them navigate busy stations. Data could be sent direct from the train to a passenger’s phone - this could be via mobile apps to guide people to certain shops, restaurants and information points, instead of using physical signs.

Hitachi also plans to introduce new battery-powered trains to replace existing diesel fleets, although it has not explained this ambition in more detail. This follows its submission to the Train of the Future consultation being run by the Transport Select Committee. A battery-powered train built by Hitachi is already in use in Japan.