Strukton Rail has announced that its partially automated Trackbot is ready for use in ongoing ETCS installation projects. The machine, which Strukton showcased at RailTech Europe in Utrecht on 4th and 5th March 2026, automates the previously manual drilling of sleepers, the bolting of ETCS Eurobalises and the high-precision position checking of the installations. According to Strukton, following tests in separate track closure areas, the battery-powered Trackbot will be launched in March 2026 for Dutch infrastructure operator ProRail in connection with the introduction of ERTMS on lines around Leeuwarden. The vehicle is designed to autonomously position balises and axle counters and process the resulting data flows in order to speed up installation. The prototype was built by consortium partner AMT with support from Strukton Rail and start-up No Man Trackwork. Funding was provided by the robotics strand of the Europe's Rail research programme. ProRail supported the development through the ASAP ERTMS initiative. Strukton also pointed out the need to adapt regulations for Eurobalise installation to enable robotics. Trackbot variants are planned for other superstructure work in the future, such as removing fastenings and clamping and lifting rails.
