A technology project between Deakin Institute for Intelligent Systems and Downer Rail and Transit Systems has won the 2025 Rail Industry Award for Rail Innovation of the Year at the Australasian Rail Industry Awards.
The world’s first fully autonomous cleaning robots for passenger rail beat finalists from across Australia and New Zealand to take out the award that “recognises leadership through the practical application of innovative solutions for new and existing market needs resulting in a commercial, environmental and/or social benefit”.
The partnership developed two robots, one focused on the floors and one for surface cleaning (windows and seats). Both robots work in tandem with cleaning staff to make maintenance more efficient and effective, as well as drive the digital transformation of Industry 4.0 practices by providing new skills in robotics, operations, and maintenance.
The Deakin team, led by Deakin Institute for Intelligent Systems’ Associate Professor Zoran Najdovski, is made up of Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment (SEBE) researchers from both the institute and the School of Engineering.
Team members include Mr Chris Larkin, Mr Adrian Grigo, Mr Samuel Gan, Mr Boyd Rosevear, and Dr Van Thanh Huynh.
Assoc Prof Najdovski said the Autonomous Robot Cleaner (ARC) set was designed and built with IISRI-developed sensing and cleaning technologies to achieve autonomous navigation, static and dynamic obstacle detection, and the detection of hazardous objects and rubbish, helping to keep the environment clean and safe.
Both robots have been successfully trialled on Downer maintained passenger fleets within Victoria. Plans are in place for the commercialisation of these robots making them available globally for rail and transit systems, setting a new standard in automated cleaning solutions for the industry.
Deakin University and Deakin Institute for Intelligent Systems have worked across the advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and infrastructure areas of rail for over 25 years.
Learn more about Downer’s robotics, AI and automation for rail maintenance.
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