Highlights from the 10th Railway Talk: The Future of Track Maintenance
On 25 June 2025, UEEIV hosted the 10th edition of its Railway Talk series, this time focused on one of the biggest challenges facing Europe’s rail networks: how to maintain track infrastructure efficiently as traffic continues to grow and maintenance windows shrink.
Two expert perspectives
The webinar featured two presentations that looked at how automation and robotics are reshaping maintenance:
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Dr Fabian Hansmann (Plasser & Theurer) discussed how digital tools, automated tamping systems and integrated measurement technologies are improving quality, reducing human error and increasing safety.
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Dr Michael Reiter (Robel Rail Automation) showcased robotic solutions for rail and switch maintenance, highlighting how automated welding and repair processes can reduce disruption and extend component life.
Key messages
Across both talks, several common themes emerged:
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Automation and digital workflows are becoming essential for keeping infrastructure reliable.
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Better data — before, during and after maintenance — leads to better planning and lower lifecycle costs.
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Robotics can significantly reduce time on track, which is critical as networks aim to increase capacity.
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For these technologies to deliver full value, procurement and contract frameworks must evolve accordingly.
Download the presentations and view the video
The speakers’ presentations are available in the event archive, so participants can dive deeper into the technical solutions and case studies shared during the session.