JR East inspects tracks with autonomous robots, also reducing bear-related risk

JR East is moving toward practical use of an autonomous inspection robot for railway maintenance, co-developing it with Preferred Robotics.

The robot can travel inside tracks using cameras, LiDAR, and GNSS, enabling real-time monitoring and AI-based analysis of inspection data.

After pilot testing, JR East plans to begin running trials on conventional lines from November, including the Hachiko Line.

The system could reduce the need for people to enter track areas, improving safety during disasters and lowering wildlife-related risks such as bear encounters.