Feasibility of Robotic Cleaning of Undersides of Toronto's Subway Cars

The problems experienced with periodic and sometimes mandatory cleaning of the undersides of light‐rail commuter railcars are common to transit authorities throughout North America. The predominant causes for concern are the level of cleaning and, more importantly, the effects of airborne contaminants on the personnel in the vicinity of the air blowdown operation. Recognizing the need to improve both conditions and performance, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) undertook a detailed study designed to evaluate the feasibility of using industrial robots to perform the task. Working in conjunction with Vadeko International Inc., a Toronto‐area engineering company specializing in robotics for hazardous environments, the study established that a robotic system would greatly improve both the working conditions and the quality of cleaning with substantial long‐term financial benefits following a relatively short payback period. Robotics development is at a stage now that would permit the automation of many transit‐vehicle maintenance and servicing tasks. Several robotics applications are in the planning and testing stages or are being implemented by some transit authorities.