UP’s Robotic Welding Technology in Track Maintenance

Union Pacific

OMAHA, Neb. - Union Pacific is utilizing robotic welding technology for track maintenance.

Union Pacific’s Engineering Department is using new technologies “every day to improve our infrastructure . . . The benefits are making a noticeable impact on our operations,” according to UP‘s senior manager – Track Welding Scott Lauby.

In its track maintenance program that uses the technology, crews use a robotic arm at a safe distance to perform welds with 30% less heat and at twice the speed, says UP. This leads to stronger welds that are more durable. The Engineering Department uses the trucks to weld frogs to help guide train through switches and crossings.

Senior Manager Lauby explains that the manganese steel is heat sensitive and the trucks used have Cold Metal Transfer technology that allows crews “to weld at much lower temperatures, resulting in stronger infrastructure and less potential heat exposure for our crews.”

Below is a video, courtesy of UP, showcasing the technology.