PROSPECTS FOR USING ROBOTS TO MONITOR THE TECHNICAL CONDITION OF TRACK CIRCUITS

Purpose. The purpose of the work is to conduct an analytical review of publications on the use of robots for inspecting railway infrastructure facilities, consider the problems and prospects for the development of robotic complexes on railways, and formulate possible directions for the development of mobile robots for monitoring the parameters of rail circuits. Methods. Measurement and analysis of the parameters of the signal current of rail circuits, automatic locomotive signaling, reverse traction current in rails for timely detection of failures in the operation of rail circuits. Results. Some possible directions for the development of mobile robots for monitoring the parameters of rail circuits have been identified. Equipping a mobile robot with ALSN coils, satellite navigation, radio communication, and driver devices will ensure traffic safety during test trips along the route. The use of these devices and technologies is easily implemented by using the appropriate systems similar to those existing in railway transport. The measuring part consists of devices for accumulating and recording signals of rail circuits with simultaneous recording of the system position on the stretch according to signals from the satellite navigation system, wheel sensors and correction of results when passing the boundaries of block sections. Analysis of the code parameters of the signal current allows to determine stable trends in their change and, accordingly, to predict the occurrence of failures. Control of the execution of the shunt mode can be implemented using the first axis of the robot platform with a standard electrical resistance. Measurement of the differential current and the total reverse traction current in the rails allows to control its spectral composition, as well as the asymmetry coefficient of the traction current in the rails. Changes in the total and differential current in the rails when passing insulating joints provide information about their technical condition. The mobile robot can perform additional measurements on insulating joints when stopping. The use of highly sensitive sensors will allow to control the signal current in tone rail circuits. Practical significance. The results obtained can be used in the development of a system of continuous monitoring of rail circuits, which will allow to increase the safety of train traffic and reduce operating costs. The proposed method allows not only to detect faults in rail circuits, but also to predict their condition, which will allow to plan maintenance more effectively and reduce the risks of failures in their operation.