Human, Organisational and Societal Factors in Robotic Rail Infrastructure Maintenance

Robotics are set to play a significant role in the maintenance of rail infrastructure. However, introduction robotics this environment requires new ways working for individuals, teams and organisations needs reflect societal attitudes if it is achieve sustainable goals. The following paper presents qualitative analysis interviews with 25 experts from outline human organisational issues infrastructure environment. Themes were structured around user, team, issues. While results point many expected (trust, acceptance, business change), number identified that specific rail. Examples include importance considering whole task lifecycle, conceptualizing robotic teamworking within structures worksites, complex upstream (robotics suppliers) downstream (third-party contractors) supply chain implications deployment public acceptance an often comes into direct contact passenger people railways. Recommendations made successful, human-centric deployment.