France is planning to develop an inspection robot for high-speed rail (HSR) lines, financed by the state investment bank BPI France and implemented by infrastructure manager SNCF Réseau. A prototype of the MARS HSR system is expected to be released in 2027, with testing and certification between 2028 and 2029. The prototype will be produced by French manufacturer Socofer. It will be equipped with cameras, radars, lidars and batteries from Forsee Power and will be remotely controlled from an operations centre. The introduction of such systems is expected to reduce inspection costs by 67%.
