In Singapore, the North Eastern Line (NEL) depot at Sengkang is home to a unique team of maintenance workers. These workers are not human, but rather, a team of robotic dogs. These robotic dogs, known as kAI, are responsible for conducting visual inspections of MRT trains from different angles, checking different components for faults, and using their AI algorithm to analyze the recorded data before providing recommended solutions to technicians.

kAI was developed by Singapore-based company ST Engineering. The robot dog is equipped with a camera and sensors that allow it to perform detailed inspections of MRT trains. kAI can also climb ladders, allowing it to access areas that would be difficult or dangerous for human workers to reach.

Since its introduction in 2019, kAI has been used to inspect more than 1,000 MRT trains. The robot dog has helped improve the efficiency and effectiveness of MRT train maintenance and has helped reduce the risk of train disruptions.

In addition to its visual inspections, kAI can also be used to perform condition-based maintenance. This means that kAI can be used to detect defects in trains before they cause a failure. This can help prevent train disruptions and ensure the safety of travelers.

This robot is a sign of the future of train and other facility maintenance, and it is clear that robot dogs will play an increasingly important role in the years to come.

kAI is a four-legged robot that is equipped with a camera, sensors, and an AI algorithm. The camera allows kAI to see its surroundings, while the sensors allow it to detect objects and obstacles. The AI algorithm allows kAI to analyze the data collected by the camera and sensors and identify potential problems.

When kAI is inspecting a train, it will first walk around the train and perform a visual inspection. It then gets under it and re-inspects it using its sensors to scan the train for potential problems. If kAI finds a problem, it will use its AI algorithm to analyze the data and recommend a solution.

kAI can also be used to perform condition based maintenance. This means that kAI can be used to detect defects in trains before they cause a failure. To do this, kAI will use its sensors to scan the train for potential problems. If kAI finds a problem, it will use its AI algorithm to analyze the data and recommend a solution.

The use of kAI for the maintenance of MRT trains has several benefits. First, kAI can help improve maintenance efficiency. The robot dog can inspect a train in a fraction of the time it would take a human worker. This can save the NEL deposit a significant amount of time and money.

Second, kAI can help improve maintenance effectiveness. The robot dog can access areas that would be difficult or dangerous for human workers to reach. This means that kAI can inspect the entire train, including areas that are often overlooked by human workers.

Third, kAI can help reduce the risk of train breakdowns. By detecting defects in trains before they lead to failure, kAI can help prevent train disruptions. This can save the NEL deposit a significant amount of money and can also help ensure the safety of travelers.

A video can be seen at: https://youtu.be/WdKeGT4pzvg

The future of these robots is very positive and they will be used in more applications. For example, dog-like robots could be used to inspect other types of vehicles, such as buses and taxis, as well as inspect infrastructure, such as bridges and buildings.

These types of robots are already being used in many other places to inspect facilities, to detect gas leaks, inspect or monitor museums, etc….

And as technology continues to develop, it's more than likely that the dog-like robot will play an even bigger role in our lives.

By Amador Palacios

Reflections of Amador Palacios on topics of Social and Technological News; other opinions different from mine are welcome

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