China's first set of intelligent inspection robots for freight railways enters operation in Cangzhou, North China's Hebei Province.
The intelligent inspection system introduces a multi-layered approach, integrating robot inspections, manual verification, and cloud-based diagnostics for the first time in freight railway maintenance. This model streamlines operations and improves efficiency in identifying potential issues.
Xue Zhanyuan, an operator at Huanghua Port responsible for railway equipment under CHN Energy, stated: “With the introduction of intelligent inspection robots, artificial intelligence-based recognition technology is being used to identify potential hazards from tens of thousands of images.” The system enables 24-hour autonomous inspections, reducing the time required to inspect 108 freight cars by 30 minutes through combined human-machine operations.
The technology achieves an accuracy rate exceeding 98% for fault detection, with a 100% identification rate for common issues. By minimizing labor intensity and human errors, the system enhances the reliability of freight car inspections. Sun Zhang, a railway expert at Shanghai Tongji University, said : “These efforts, which help improve the level of intelligentization in freight car inspection, are happening amid a nationwide ‘AI Plus’ initiative and reflect innovation in the sector.”
Beyond freight railways, China has also implemented intelligent robots for high-speed rail inspections, significantly boosting safety and efficiency. These advancements align with the country’s focus on integrating artificial intelligence into critical infrastructure.
In 2024, China’s freight transport volume reached 5.18 billion tons, a 2.8% increase from the previous year, as reported by the National Railway Administration in January. Additionally, railway fixed-asset investment in the first four months of 2025 totaled 194.7 billion yuan (approximately $26.9 billion), up 5.3% year-on-year, according to the China State Railway Group Co.
The deployment of intelligent inspection robots in Cangzhou demonstrates China’s commitment to modernizing its railway infrastructure. By leveraging AI and automation, the system enhances operational efficiency and safety, supporting the growth of the freight transport sector while contributing to sustainable development in the railway industry.
